Intrapleural streptokinase for the treatment of complicated parapneumonic effusion and empyema in 2 newborns

The management of complicated parapneumonic effusions by conventional first-line treatment with closed intercostal tube drainage and antibiotic therapy may fail because of thick viscous fluid and multiple pleural space loculations. Intrapleural fibrinolytic treatment is a non-invasive therapeutic option. In this report, we present successful use of intrapleural streptokinase for complicated parapneumonic effusion and empyema in 2 newborns. Intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy with streptokinase appears to be a safe and effective adjunctive therapy of choice and may have significant benefit even in newborns with complicated parapneumonic effusion and empyema, and thus, it can obviate surgical intervention.