Education＆ScienceEducational Article

Comment by Mark Lavercombe: Indwelling pleural catheters (IPCs) have become part of the standard of care of malignant pleural effusions, although concerns about potential for IPC-related infections persist. Inspired by guidelines for the management of peritoneal dialysis catheters recommending topical mupirocin application at the catheter site, this study explores whether IPCs are affected by the application of topical mupirocin, and whether this is feasible as part of IPC care. In seven IPCs treated with mupirocin, no concerning structural changes were observed in up to six months of observation. Mupirocin application in patients with IPCs was tolerated well. Further studies to evaluate efficacy in preventing infection will be required.