Prognostic Factors and Overall Survival After Pericardiocentesis in Patients With Cancer and Thrombocytopenia

Background: Pericardiocentesis is an important diagnostic and therapeutic tool for cancer-associated pericardial effusion. Limited safety and outcomes data exists regarding the management of malignancy-related pericardial effusion in patients with thrombocytopenia. Objectives: Our study aimed to analyze prognostic factors and overall survival (OS) after pericardiocentesis in thrombocytopenic cancer patients. Methods and Results: A retrospective review of 136 thrombocytopenic cancer patients who underwent primary percutaneous pericardiocentesis was performed. Degree of thrombocytopenia was classified by platelet count recorded on day of pericardiocentesis: 75-149 x 10(3) cells/mu L (41%); 50-74 x 10(3) cells/mu L (10%); 25-49 x 10(3) cells/mu L (24%);