Chronic Pleural Changes after Intrapleural Instillation of Iodpovidone – Experimental Study in Rabbits

Pleurodesis, from the Greek pleura and desis (binding together), is intended to achieve a symphysis between parietal and visceral pleura, in order to prevent accumulation of either air (pneumothrax) or fluid (pleural effusion) in the pleural space. The search for the ideal agent for pleurodesis continues. The aim of this research was to assess the chronic gross and microscopic pleural findings, after intrapleural administration of iodpovidone as a sclerosing agent. 12 New Zealand White rabbits were used for the study. After instillation of 2 ml 10% iodpovidone into the right pleural cavity, the animals were sacrificed in groups of three on day 5, 7, 10, 14. Gross pathology and histology analysis were performed. It was established, that jodpovidone has caused pleural inflammation whit mononuclear cells infiltration and formation of new blood vessels on day 5. It was also established expressive proliferation of fibroblasts within visceral pleura and collagen production. The final result was fibrotic transformation of the visceral pleura, which was established on day 14. As a result of pleural fibrotic transformation, complete obliteration of the pleural space occurred, which means effective pleurodesis. The study had shown that intrapleural instillation of iodpovidone has caused effective pleurodesis until the period of 14 days. The safeness of iodpovidone as an agent for chemical pleurodesis has also been proven in the study.