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Abstract

We conducted a study to compare the outcome of medical pleurodesis with Talc poudrage and Tetracycline in patients with malignant pleural effusion. Forty six patients presenting with malignant pleural effusion were selected and dividedrandomly into two equal groups. Age range was 20 to 90 years with mean age of 52 years. Twenty five were females and 21 males. Group-A was given 5 gram purified medical grade Talc instilled through a pleuroscope and group-B was given 1 to 1.5 gram Tetracycline instilled through a chest drain. Radiological response was assessed in both the groups and compared using chi square table. Success rate among Talc Poudrage group was significantly better i.e. 87% as compared to Tetracycline group 65.2% (p=0.04). No significant serious side effects were noted except mild chest pain. This study shows benefit of Talc Poudrage through pleuroscope over Tetracycline pleurodesis in malignant pleural effusions.