%0 Journal Article %A Khaled Hassaan %A Mohamed Fathy %T Can serum (CRP) levels estimate the outome of talc pleurodesis in malignant pleural effusions? %D 2012 %J European Respiratory Journal %P P4632 %V 40 %N Suppl 56 %X Objective: to evaluate whether serum C-reactive protein (CRP) could help to predict the success rate and/or side effects of pleurodesis. Methods: In a prospective study, 25 consecutive patients with recurrent and biopsy-proven malignant effusions were included. Five grams of talc mixed in 150 ml of normal saline were administered via tube thoracostomy. Serial determinations of CRP were made in serum at the beginning of pleurodesis (baseline), and 24 h and 72 h after the procedure. Successful therapy was defined as a complete absence or minor re-accumulation of pleural effusion one month after pleurodesis. Results: Pleurodesis was successful in 22 of 25 patients (88%). The patients had significantly higher serum CRP levels at 24 h and 72 h than at baseline (p <0. 001). Mean serum CRP levels at baseline, 24th h and 72nd h were 4.5 ± 3.5 mg / dL, 25.3 ± 5.6 mg / dL and 75.5 ± 15.6 mg / dL, respectively. Mean serum CRP levels were significantly higher in patients with successful pleurodesis compared with unsuccessful patients (baseline: 4.5 ± 3.5 mg / dL & 4.4 ± 2.5 mg / dL; at 24h: 25.3 ± 5.6 mg / dL & 6. 5 ± 3.5 mg / dL; at 72h: 75.5± 15.6 mg / dL & 8.7 ± 4.6 mg / dL, respectively) (p < 0. 001). Complications were not serious, and the most common side effects included fever (20%) and chest pain (40%). Patients with complications had a tendency to higher serum CRP levels at the 72nd h (75.5 mg / dL & 72.7 mg / dL), but this was not statistically significant (p=0.143). Conclusion: The inflammatory response in the pleural cavity due to talc pleurodesis is reflected in the systemic circulation, and high serum CRP after chemical pleurodesis, is a good predictor of the success in pleurodesis. %U https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/erj/40/Suppl_56/P4632.full.pdf