Intrapleural instillation of autologous blood for persistent air leak in spontaneous pneumothorax- is it as effective as it is safe?

Table 1 Patients' data and results

	Patients with blood pleurodesis efficacy (Group A)	Patients submitted to surgery (Group B)	Patients ineligible for surgery (Group C)	Patients total	Comparisons	Statistical Significance
Size sample (male)	4 (3)	9 (5)	2 (2)	15 (10)	-	-
Mean age (years)	37.5	20.77	71	31.9	A vs. B p = 0.09	NS
					A vs. C p = 0.01	SS
					B vs. C p < 0.01	SS
Mean hospitalization (days)	12	19.66	13.5	16.8	A vs. B p = 0.01	SS
					A vs. C p = 1.0	NS
					B vs. C p = 0.1	NS
Attempts of pleurodesis	1	1	2	-	-	-
Success rate	4/15 (27%)	9 out of 9 (100%)	2/2 discharged with Heimlich valve	-	A vs. B p < 0.01	SS

The table shows basic data of the three groups placed in a comparative form. The statistical analysis was based on the one way ANOVA and the χ² criterion methods. The level of statistical significance was set at a level for p < 0.05. From the analysis following conclusions can be drawn.
1. As far as mean age concerned there was no significant difference between the group A and group B patients p = 0.09; on the contrary there were statistically significant differences between the patients of groups A vs. C and B vs. C (p = 0.01 and p < 0.01 respectively). This comparison was based on the one way ANOVA method.
2. Regarding the mean hospitalization duration we concluded to a statistically significant difference between the patients of the groups A vs. B (p = 0.01). No such differences were noted in the comparison between groups A vs. C and B vs. C (p = 1.0 and 0.1 respectively). This comparison was based on the one way ANOVA method.
3. In concern to the success rate of the different procedures it is obvious from the statistical comparisons that surgical treatment clearly supervenes the pleurodesis approach p < 0.01. This comparison was based on the χ² criterion.

ISSN: 1749-8090