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Suggest Treatment For Malignant Pericardial Effusion
Patient has a history of malignant pericardial effusion, has been having approximately 1L drained consistently each time by pericardiocentesis 3 times weekly for the last 3 weeks. Today the amount of fluid drained was less than half of that (last draining was 2 days ago). Is this a sign of improvement, or something to worry about?
Fri, 22 May 2015
Hi dear!
Thanks for consulting the Physicians at HealthCare Magic. I have worked through your case thoroughly, and I can easily realize your health worries. Being your physician, I reassure you not to worry as things will settle down very soon.
I want to inform you that treatment of a pericardial effusion depends on its severity and its cause. Small pericardial effusions without symptoms and due to known causes (for example, kidney failure) I think require no special treatment.
For pericardial effusions due to pericarditis(infection), treating the pericarditis also treats the pericardial effusion. You look like you fall in this category and I treat such patients medically as:
1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Motrin.
2. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone
3. Colchicine
If severe infection or heart impairment (we call it as cardiac tamponade) is present, the pericardial effusion must be drained urgently(as you are being drained). Drainage of pericardial effusions is done in two ways:
1. Pericardiocentesis(as in your case)
2. Pericardiectomy (pericardial window). its a complicated surgical procedure that needs general anaesthesia and special care and cures better but with risks more than pericardiocentesis.
YOU MAY CONSULT YOUR CARDIOLOGIST FOR SUITABLE OPTIONS FOR YOU.
May you get very well soon and have a wonderful time ahead. Please don't forget to give your valuable feedback to help us assist you in a better way.
Regards!
DR. HANIF
PHILADELPHIA, USA
Thanks for consulting the Physicians at HealthCare Magic. I have worked through your case thoroughly, and I can easily realize your health worries. Being your physician, I reassure you not to worry as things will settle down very soon.
I want to inform you that treatment of a pericardial effusion depends on its severity and its cause. Small pericardial effusions without symptoms and due to known causes (for example, kidney failure) I think require no special treatment.
For pericardial effusions due to pericarditis(infection), treating the pericarditis also treats the pericardial effusion. You look like you fall in this category and I treat such patients medically as:
1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Motrin.
2. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone
3. Colchicine
If severe infection or heart impairment (we call it as cardiac tamponade) is present, the pericardial effusion must be drained urgently(as you are being drained). Drainage of pericardial effusions is done in two ways:
1. Pericardiocentesis(as in your case)
2. Pericardiectomy (pericardial window). its a complicated surgical procedure that needs general anaesthesia and special care and cures better but with risks more than pericardiocentesis.
YOU MAY CONSULT YOUR CARDIOLOGIST FOR SUITABLE OPTIONS FOR YOU.
May you get very well soon and have a wonderful time ahead. Please don't forget to give your valuable feedback to help us assist you in a better way.
Regards!
DR. HANIF
PHILADELPHIA, USA
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