Abstract: AIM: To evaluate the effect of hyaluronate based gel (HAbg) in prevention of pleural thickening and adhesion in patients with tuberculous pleural effusions. METHODS: 52 patients with middle amount of tuberculous thoracic fluid accumulated, fluid bound, and pleura thickened more than 2 mm were divided into two groups at random.The patients of two groups were all given standard treatments with anti-tuberculous drugs.HAbg was injected into intra-thoracic cavity in treatment group (27 patients), while saline (NS) was introduced into intra- thoracic cavity in control group (25 patients).Before and after HAbg injection, thoracic fluid routine and protein quantification were tested respectively.Pulmonary functions were measured after 2 weeks and 3 months of thoracic fluid absorption. RESULTS: Patients treated with HAbg showed significantly thinner pleura, lower proteins and white blood cell count in thoracic fluid, and higher FEV1% and FVC% for their pulmonary function in comparison with the control group. CONCLUSION: Intrathoracic injection of HAbg can prevent pleural thickening and improve the lung function in patients with excess fluid of tuberculous thoracic cavity.

Key words: pharmacodynamics, tuberculosis, sodium hyaluronic acid, pleura thickening