Prevalence, causes, and clinical implications of pleural effusion in pulmonary ICU and correlation with patient outcomes

Introduction Pleural effusion is common in medical ICU (MICU) patients, and it may develop owing to different causes and may affect patients outcomes. Objective The aim of this work was to study the prevalence and causes of pleural effusion in MICU and its effect on patient outcomes. Patients and methods A total of 90 patients admitted to MICU in Abbaseia Chest Hospital were included in the present study. The patients initially had pleural effusion or effusion developed during their ICU stay. Results Overall, 66 patients were males and 24 were females, and their mean age was 51.5±18.6 years. The prevalence rate of pleural effusion in our MICU during 1-year period was 12.7%. Pleural effusion was found to be exudates in 77.7% of cases and transudates in 22.3%. Uncomplicated parapneumonic effusion was the most common cause (36.7%), followed by heart failure (17.8%). The cause of pleural effusion did not significantly affect the patient outcome or duration of ICU stay. No significant reduction in duration of ICU stay or ICU mortality was seen in patients who received therapeutic aspiration or tube drainage compared with patients who received no specific management for effusion. Conclusion The commonest cause of pleural effusion in MICU is parapneumonic effusion, and chest ultrasonography is the best method of fluid detection. Different methods of management do not significantly affect patient outcomes.