Persistent Air Leaks in Spontaneous Pneumothorax: Risk Factors And The Role of Autologous Blood Pleurodesis

Authors

  • Dashab Hannan Registrar, (Surgery) of Thoracic Surgery, NIDCH, Dhaka.
  • Md Ataur Rahman Assistant Professor of Thoracic surgery, Mainamoti Medical College, Cumilla.
  • Md Resalat Chowdhury Thoracic Surgeon, Bangladesh Specialized Hospital, Dhaka.
  • Mainul Hasan Sohel Associate Professor of Orthopedics, Central Medical College, Dhaka.
  • Sowrabh Biswas Junior Consultant of Thoracic Surgery, Chattagram Maa Shishu-O-General Hospital, Chattogram.
  • Muhammad Karim Hossain Assistant Professor of Thoracic Surgery, Bangladesh Medical University, Dhaka.

Keywords:

Autologous blood pleurodesis; Chest tube drainage; Persistent air leak; Risk factors; Spontaneous pneumothorax; Tetracycline pleurodesis.

Abstract

Background: Persistent Air Leaks (PAL) complicate Spontaneous Pneumothorax (SP) prolonging hospitalization and morbidity. Autologous Blood Pleurodesis (ABP) is a minimally invasive option, but its efficacy versus chemical pleurodesis needs evaluation. The purpose of the study is to identify PAL risk factors in SP and compare ABP with tetracycline pleurodesis.

Materials and methods: In this prospective study at NIDCH, Dhaka, 176 SP patients requiring chest tube drainage were enrolled and equally divided into PAL (Air leak >5 days) and non-PAL groups. Clinical, radiological and procedural factors were analyzed. PAL patients received ABP or tetracycline. Outcomes included leak resolution, cessation time, complications, hospital stay and  recurrence. Analysis used SPSS v26, p 0.05 was  significant.

Results: PAL was associated with older age, low BMI,  COPD, smoking, bullae and lung collapse >50%. Independent predictors were BMI <20 (OR=2.94) COPD (OR=2.72) bullae (OR=2.59) and collapse >50% (OR=2.87). ABP showed comparable resolution to tetracycline (95.45% vs. 88.64%, p=0.361) but faster cessation (2.4±1.3 vs. 3.6±1.7 days, p=0.003) and fewer complications (4.55% vs. 59.09%, p<0.001).

Conclusion: PAL in SP is linked to clinical and radiological factors. ABP is safe, effective, and better tolerated, ensuring faster resolution and fewer complications.

JCMCTA 2026 ; 37 (1) : 164-168

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Published

2026-08-25

How to Cite

Hannan, D. ., Rahman, M. A. ., Chowdhury, M. R. ., Sohel, M. H. ., Biswas, S. ., & Hossain, M. K. . (2026). Persistent Air Leaks in Spontaneous Pneumothorax: Risk Factors And The Role of Autologous Blood Pleurodesis. Journal of Chittagong Medical College Teachers’ Association, 37(1), 164-168. https://doi.org/10.3329/jcmcta.v37i1.91640

Issue

Vol. 37 No. 1 (2026)

Section

Papers and Originals

How to Cite

Hannan, D. ., Rahman, M. A. ., Chowdhury, M. R. ., Sohel, M. H. ., Biswas, S. ., & Hossain, M. K. . (2026). Persistent Air Leaks in Spontaneous Pneumothorax: Risk Factors And The Role of Autologous Blood Pleurodesis. Journal of Chittagong Medical College Teachers’ Association, 37(1), 164-168. https://doi.org/10.3329/jcmcta.v37i1.91640