Evidence review summary for ‘Are intrapleural enzymes better than surgery, or no treatment, for treating malignant pleural effusion and septated effusion (on radiology)?’
| Clinical outcome | Summary of evidence review (intrapleural enzymes vs no treatment) (95% CI) |
| Length of hospital stay | Shorter with intrapleural enzymes* |
| Pleurodesis rates/Need for re-intervention | Lower with intrapleural enzymes (287/1000 (177 to 464) compared with 377/1000)† |
| Complications | Not reported |
| Symptoms‡ | Reduced breathlessness with intrapleural enzymes (278/1000 (168 to 470) compared with 480/1000) |
| Quality of life | No difference* |
*Based on a single study.
†Meta-analysis results reported as per 1000 patients.
‡Breathlessness, chest pain.