Title: Clinical and Etiological Profile of Patients with Pleural Effusion in A Tertiary Care Centre
Authors: Suresh Raghavan, Jayachandran.R, Sandra Mosses
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v5i6.122
Abstract
Background: Pleural Effusion is defined as the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space. A pleural effusion is always abnormal and its presence indicates an underlying disease. Pleural effusion is one of the commonest respiratory problems with which patients are admitted. Diseases of the pleura, lung, heart, liver, kidney, or other multisystem illness can lead to pleural effusion. Hence, a detailed clinical evaluation including history taking, physical examination and relevant diagnostic tests are essential to identify the cause of pleural effusion, which is essential for arriving at the treatment decision.
Materials and Methods: This study included 100 cases of pleural effusion admitted in the Department of Medicine, Government TD Medical College, Alappuzha over a period of 1 year. A detailed history and physical examination was carried out along with chest radiograph and diagnostic thoracocentesis. The effusions were then appropriately classified as transudative and exudative and further evaluated.
Results: Of the 100 cases, the commonest cause of pleural effusion was tuberculosis, followed by malignancy. The commonest presenting symptom was dyspnoea. Most of the pleural effusions were right sided and were mild. Pleural fluid ADA was sensitive for the diagnosis of tuberculous effusion. Adenocarcinoma of the lung was the commonest malignancy causing pleural effusion.
Conclusions: Pleural effusion is more commonly seen in males than in females. The commonest causes were Pulmonary tuberculosis followed by malignancy. Least common cause was collagen vascular disease. Parapneumonic effusions were typically mild in severity.
Keyword: Pleural effusion.
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