Biological Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential of PRP-Fibrin Glue in Managing Refractory Pleural Effusion: Insights from a Pilot Study

Background: Refractory pleural effusion (RPE) is a serious post-cardiac surgery complication, often unresponsive to conventional chest tube drainage. This pilot clinical trial investigates platelet-rich plasma fibrin glue (PRP-FG), a non-invasive treatment previously effective for postoperative chylothorax and pneumothorax, to assess its efficacy in managing RPE resistant to standard thoracostomy. Methods: The study enrolled 19 patients with unilateral or bilateral RPE unresponsive to conventional treatment. The primary outcome was successful treatment, defined as pleural effusion volume