Tetracycline-induced pleural symphysis for recurrent hydrothorax complicating cirrhosis. A new approach to treatment.

Two patients with cirrhosis and ascites complicated by extensive unilateral pleural transudates refractory to therapy with dietary sodium restriction, diuretics, and repeated thoracentesis were successfully managed by tetracycline-induced pleural symphysis. The intrapleural instillation of this antibiotic prevented the recurrence of the effusion and substantially relieved the patients' symptoms with minimal undesirable side effects.