Left lateral intercostal region versus subxiphoid position for pleural drain during elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery: randomized clinical trial

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The pleural drain insertion site after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery may alter lung function, especially respiratory muscle strength. The main objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of use of the left lateral intercostal region versus the subxiphoid position for pleural drainage during elective CABG surgery using extracorporeal circulation (ECC). DESIGN AND SETTING: Randomized trial conducted in a tertiary-level hospital in Porto Alegre, Brazil. METHODS: 48 patients were assigned to group 1 (pleural drain in the left lateral intercostal region) or group 2 (pleural drain in the subxiphoid position). Respiratory muscle strength was measured in terms of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), in cmH2O, by means of manovacuometry preoperatively, 24 and 72 hours after drain removal and before discharge from hospital. Painand dyspnea scales, presence of infections, pleural effusion and atelectasis, duration of drain use, drainage volumes and surgical reinterventions were also evaluated. RESULTS: After adjustments, there were no significant differences between the groups at the end of the study (before discharge), in predicted percentages either for MIP (delta group 1: -17.21% versus delta group 2: -22.26%; P = 0.09) or for MEP (delta group 1: -9.38% versus delta group 2: -13.13%; P = 0.17). Therewere no differences between the groups in relation to other outcomes. CONCLUSION: There was no difference in maximal respiratory pressures in relation to the pleural drain insertion site among patients who underwent CABG surgery using ECC. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ReBEc V1111.1159.4447.

Derrame pleural: análisis de la eficacia diagnóstica / Diagnostic analysis of pleural effusion

Analizar las características epidemiológicas, clínicas y efectividad del diagnóstico de derrame pleural. Métodos: estudio descriptivo, retroprospectivo transversal, con una muestra constituida por pacientes atendidos en el período enero 2013 a junio 2018 en los que se demostrase compromiso pleural, parenquimatoso pulmonar o de otro órgano y cuyo motivo de ingreso fue el estudio de derrame pleural en el Servicio de Medicina interna en el Hospital General del Oeste "Dr. José Gregorio Hernández". Tratamiento estadístico: análisis estadístico descriptivo basado en medidas de tendencia central (media y desvia- ción estándar) para las variables cuantitativas y de proporción (moda, porcentaje) en la variables categóricas y/o cualitativas. Se midió el índice Kappa entre la sospecha diagnóstica y el diagnós- tico realizado, para la valoración del grado de concordancia diagnóstica. Resultados: de 261 pacientes con derrame pleural, el 64,2% se encontraba en edad productiva, predominó el sexo mas- culino, y el nivel socioeconómico Graffar IV. La causa más frecuente de derrame pleural fue la tuberculosis pleural. La concordancia diagnóstica promedio fue de 0,70. Conclusión:Se evidenció un incremento del tiempo diagnóstico, relacionado al tiempo de obtención de resultados en los estudios paraclínicos. El cálculo del índice de concordancia entre el diagnóstico presuntivo y el definitivo fue importante(AU)

Pleural effusion is a frequent cause of admission to internal medicine wards worldwide, and is frequently secondary to clinical entities that are among the leading causes of mortality. Objective: To analyze the epidemiological, clinical characteristics and effectiveness in the diagnosis of pleural effusion. Methods:descriptive, retroprospective, transversal study, with a sample of patients treated from the period January 2013 to June 2018 in which pleural, parenchymal or pulmonary involvement of another organ were demonstrated when the reason for admission was the study of pleural effusion in the Internal Medicine Department at the Hospital General del Oeste "Dr. José Gregorio Hernández". Statistical analysis: Consisted of a descriptive statistical analysis based on measures of central tendency for the quantitative variables and proportion in the categorical and/or qualitative variables. The Kappa index was measured between the diagnostic suspicion and the diagnosis made, for the assessment of the degree of diagnostic agreement. Results: Of 261 patients with pleural effusion, 64.2% were of productive age, the male sex predominated, and the Graffar IV socioeconomic level. Pleural tuberculosis was the most common cause of pleural effusion. The average diagnostic concordance was 0.70. Conclusion:There was an increase in the diagnostic time, related to the time of obtaining results in the complementary studies. The calculation of the concordance index between the presumptive and definitive diagnosis was important(AU)

Report of a rare case of histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis with bilateral pleural effusion diagnosed via cervical lymph node biopsy

ABSTRACT CONTEXT: Histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (HNL) is a rare disorder that is often benign and self-limiting. There have been reports of co-occurrence of HNL with other diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus, hemophagocytic syndrome and antiphospholipid syndrome. CASE REPORT: Here, we report a case in which a patient experienced unexplained fever, swelling of the cervical lymph node and bilateral pleural effusion and was ultimately diagnosed with HNL based on results from a lymph node biopsy. After treatment with glucocorticoid, the patient regained normal body temperature, the swelling of the lymph nodes disappeared and the pleural effusion was reabsorbed. CONCLUSIONS: The pathogenesis of HNL remains unclear, and pleural effusion is rarely reported in HNL patients. We presented this case to improve diagnostic awareness of this condition among clinicians and help reduce the likelihood of misdiagnosis.

Videothoracoscopic surgery before and after chest tube drainage for children with complicated parapneumonic effusion / Cirurgia torácica vídeoassistida antes e depois de drenagem torácica em crianças com derrame parapneumônico complicado

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the effectiveness of videothoracoscopic surgery in the treatment of complicated parapneumonic pleural effusion and to determine whether there is a difference in the videothoracoscopic surgery outcome before or after the chest tube drainage. Methods The medical records of 79 children (mean age 35 months) undergoing videothoracoscopic surgery from January 2000 to December 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. The same treatment algorithm was used in the management of all patients. Patients were divided into two groups: in group 1, videothoracoscopic surgery was performed as the initial procedure; in group 2, videothoracoscopic surgery was performed after previous chest tube drainage. Results Videothoracoscopic surgery was effective in 73 children (92.4%); the other six (7.6%) needed another procedure. Sixty patients (75.9%) were submitted directly to videothoracoscopic surgery (group 1) and 19 (24%) primarily underwent chest tube drainage (group 2). Primary videothoracoscopic surgery was associated with a decrease of hospital stay (p = 0.05), time to resolution (p = 0.024), and time with a chest tube (p < 0.001). However, there was no difference between the groups regarding the time until fever resolution, time with a chest tube, and the hospital stay after videothoracoscopic surgery. No differences were observed between groups regarding the need for further surgery and the presence of complications. Conclusions Videothoracoscopic surgery is a highly effective procedure for treating children with complicated parapneumonic pleural effusion. When videothoracoscopic surgery is indicated in the presence of loculations (stage II or fibrinopurulent), no difference were observed in time of clinical improvement and hospital stay among the patients with or without chest tube drainage before videothoracoscopic surgery.

Resumo Objetivos Avaliar a eficácia da cirurgia torácica videoassistida no tratamento de derrame pleural parapneumônico complicado e determinar se há diferença no resultado da cirurgia torácica videoassistida realizada antes ou depois da drenagem torácica. Métodos Analisamos retrospectivamente prontuários médicos de 79 crianças (idade média de 35 meses) submetidas a cirurgia torácica videoassistida de janeiro de 2000 a dezembro de 2011. O mesmo algoritmo de tratamento foi utilizado no manejo de todos os pacientes. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: o Grupo 1 foi submetido a cirurgia torácica videoassistida como procedimento inicial; o Grupo 2 foi submetido a cirurgia torácica videoassistida após drenagem torácica prévia. Resultados A cirurgia torácica videoassistida foi eficaz em 73 crianças (92,4%); as outras seis (7,6%) necessitaram outro procedimento. Sessenta pacientes (75,9%) foram diretamente submetidos a cirurgia torácica videoassistida (Grupo 1) e 19 (24%) foram primeiramente submetidos a drenagem torácica (Grupo 2). A cirurgia torácica videoassistida primária foi associada à redução do tempo de internação (p = 0,05), do tempo para resolução (p = 0,024) e do tempo com o tubo torácico (p < 0,001). Contudo, não houve diferença entre os grupos a respeito do tempo até que não tivessem mais febre, do tempo com o tubo torácico e do tempo de internação após a cirurgia torácica videoassistida. Não foram observadas diferenças entre os grupos com relação à necessidade de cirurgia adicional e à presença de complicações. Conclusões A cirurgia torácica videoassistida é um procedimento altamente eficaz para tratar crianças com derrame pleural parapneumônico complicado. Quando a cirurgia torácica vídeoassistida é indicada na presença de loculações (fase II ou fibrinopurulenta) não há diferença no tempo de melhora clínica e no tempo de internação entre os pacientes com ou sem drenagem torácica antes da cirurgia torácica videoassistida.

Tuberculosis pleural en paciente pediátrico: reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Pleural tuberculosis in a pediatric patient: case report and review

Tuberculosis (TB) is a common cause of pleural effusion in young people from endemic areas. Among the forms of extrapulmonary TB in people with immunodeficiencies, the most frequent localization is the pleura. The use of immunological and molecular biology tests for the diagnosis of TB in pleural fluid and other locations with high sensitivity and specificity is highlighted. We present a clinical case with the objective of giving an overview of the treatment of the patient with suspected pleural tuberculosis

La Tuberculosis (TB) es una causa común de derrame pleural en jóvenes en zonas endémicas. Dentro de las formas de TB extrapulmonar en personas que cursan con inmunodeficiencias, la localización más frecuente es la TB pleural. Se destaca el uso de las pruebas inmunológicas y de biología molecular para el diagnóstico de TB en líquido pleural y de otras localizaciones con una elevada sensibilidad y especificidad. Se presenta un caso clínico con el objetivo de describir una visión general del abordaje del paciente con sospecha de tuberculosis pleural

Diagnóstico y tratamiento del derrame pleural paraneumónico / Diagnosis and treatment of parapneumonic pleural effusion

El derrame paraneumónico ocurre como complicación de una neumonía y en nuestro medio corresponde al 2% de las hospitalizaciones de causa respiratoria. Se debe sospechar en pacientes con neumonía presentan evolución desfavorable y debe confirmarse por exámenes de imágenes. El estudio y drenaje del líquido pleural es fundamental para un manejo adecuado y evolución satisfactoria, por lo que la toracocentesis y la instalación de drenaje pleural no deben retrasarse. El tratamiento debe ser hospitalizado, con antibióticos endovenosos y en la mayoría de los casos la evolución es satisfactoria y sin secuelas para el paciente.

Paraneumonic effusion occurs as a complication of pneumonia and in our case corresponds to 2% of respiratory hospitalizations. It should be suspected in patients with pneumonia presenting unfavorable evolution and must be confirmed by imaging tests. The study and drainage of pleural fluid is essential for adequate management and satisfactory evolution, so that thoracentesis and pleural drainage installation should not be delayed. The treatment should be hospitalized with intravenous antibiotics and in most cases the evolution is satisfactory and without sequelae for the patient.

Sirolimus on Gorham-Stout disease. Case report / Sirolimus en la enfermedad de Gorham-Stout. Caso clínico

Abstract Background: Gorham-Stout disease (GSD) is a rare disease of unknown etiology characterized by vascular proliferation that produces destruction of bone matrix. Case description: This case is about 43 year old woman who begins with pain in sternum, dyspnea, abdominal mass and, serous-hematic pleural effusion. Imaging tests were performed showing lesions on 6th and 10th left ribs archs. Later, a thoracotomy was performed observed absence of the end of the 6th and lung, pleural and costal biopsy was token. The histologic features described lymphatic vascular proliferation in bone tissue of chest wall. Other pathologies were excluded and in view of the findings, GSD diagnosis was made. Treatment and outcome: treatment was initiated with sirolimus achieving remission of the disease after the first month; however, because the presence of metrorrhagia the treatment was discontinued, reappearing symptoms afterwards. For that reason the treatment was restarted getting disappearance of the symptoms again, 4 weeks later. Clinical relevance: we present the first clinical cases of EGS with pleural effusion with response to sirolimus treatment that could be an alternative to the current therapy.

Resumen Antecedentes: La enfermedad de Gorham-Stout (EGS), es una enfermedad poco común, de etiología desconocida, caracterizada por la proliferación vascular que produce destrucción de la matriz ósea. Caso clínico: Se presenta el caso de mujer de 43 años que comienza con dolor en el esternón, disnea y tumoración abdominal junto con derrame pleural izquierdo de características serohemáticas como forma de presentación de una EGS. En pruebas de imagen que mostraron lesiones líticas en el 6º y 10º arcos costales izquierdos. Posteriormente se realizó toracotomía con biopsia pulmonar, pleural y costal observándose ausencia del extremo de la 6ª costilla. En el estudio histopatológico se describe proliferación vascular linfática en tejido óseo de pared costal. Se excluyeron otras patologías y se diagnosticó EGS. Tratamiento y resultado: Se inició tratamiento con sirolimus consiguiendo remisión completa desde el primer mes. Sin embargo, tras la suspensión del tratamiento por metrorragias, presentó reaparición de los síntomas. Se decide entonces reiniciar el tratamiento, consiguiendo nuevamente desaparición de los síntomas, tras 4 semanas de tratamiento. Relevancia clínica: Se presenta el primer caso clínico de EGS en edad adulta con derrame pleural asociado y con respuesta clínica a sirolimus, fármaco que podría ser una alternativa a la terapéutica actual.

Clinical and laboratory signs associated to serious dengue disease in hospitalized children / Sinais clínicos e laboratoriais para o dengue com evolução grave em crianças hospitalizadas

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the validity of clinical and laboratory signs to serious dengue disease in hospitalized children. Methods: Retrospective cohort of children (<18 years) hospitalized with dengue diagnosis (2007-2008). Serious dengue disease was defined as death or use of advanced life support therapy. Accuracy measures and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve were calculated. Results: Of the total (n = 145), 53.1% were female, 69% aged 2-11 years, and 15.9% evolved to the worse outcome. Lethargy had the best accuracy (positive likelihood ratio >19 and negative likelihood ratio <0.6). Pleural effusion and abdominal distension had higher sensitivity (82.6%). History of bleeding (epistaxis, gingival or gastrointestinal bleeding) and severe hemorrhage (pulmonary or gastrointestinal bleeding) in physical examination were more frequent in serious dengue disease (p < 0.01), but with poor accuracy (positive likelihood ratio = 1.89 and 3.89; negative likelihood ratio = 0.53 and 0.60, respectively). Serum albumin was lower in serious dengue forms (p < 0.01). Despite statistical significance (p < 0.05), both groups presented thrombocytopenia. Platelets count, hematocrit, and hemoglobin parameters had area under the curve <0.5. Conclusions: Lethargy, abdominal distension, pleural effusion, and hypoalbuminemia were the best clinical and laboratorial markers of serious dengue disease in hospitalized children, while bleeding, severe hemorrhage, hemoconcentration and thrombocytopenia did not reach adequate diagnostic accuracy. In pediatric referral hospitals, the absence of hemoconcentration does not imply absence of plasma leakage, particularly in children with previous fluid replacement. These findings may contribute to the clinical management of dengue in children at referral hospitals.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a validade dos sinais clínicos e laboratoriais para o dengue com evolução grave em crianças hospitalizadas. Métodos Coorte retrospectivo de crianças (<18 anos) internadas com dengue (2007-2008). Evolução grave foi definida como óbito ou pelo uso de terapia de suporte avançado de vida. Foram calculadas medidas de acurácia e área sob a curva ROC. Resultados Do total (n = 145), 53,1% casos eram do sexo feminino, 69% de 2 a 11 anos e 15,9% evoluíram para gravidade. Letargia obteve a melhor acurácia (razão de verossimilhança positiva RVP > 19 e RV negativa RVN < 0,6). Derrame pleural e distensão abdominal apresentaram maior sensibilidade (se = 82,6%). Relato de sangramentos (epistaxe, gengivorragia ou gastrointestinal) e hemorragia grave (pulmonar ou gastrointestinal) presente no exame físico foi mais frequente nos casos com evolução grave (p <0,01), porém com baixa acurácia (RVP = 1,89 e 3,89; RVN = 0,53 e 0,60, respectivamente). Os níveis de albumina sérica foram mais baixos nas formas graves (p <0,01). Ambos os grupos apresentaram trombocitopenia, apesar da diferença estatística (p <0,05). Contagem de plaquetas, hematócrito e hemoglobina apresentaram área sob a curva ROC < 0,5. Conclusões Letargia, distensão abdominal, derrame pleural e hipoalbuminemia foram os melhores marcadores clínicos e laboratoriais de dengue com evolução grave em crianças hospitalizadas, enquanto sangramento, hemorragia grave, hemoconcentração e trombocitopenia não tiveram boa acurácia diagnóstica. Em hospitais de referência pediátricos, a ausência de hemoconcentração não implica ausência de extravasamento plasmático, particularmente quando há reposição anterior de volume. Esses resultados podem contribuir para o manejo clínico do dengue em crianças em hospitais de referência.

Effect of using pump on postoperative pleural effusion in the patients that underwent CABG / Efeito da circulação extracorpórea no derrame pleural pós-operatório em pacientes submetidos à revascularização do miocárdio

AbstractObjective:The present study investigated effect of using pump on postoperative pleural effusion in patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting.Methods:A total of 256 patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting surgery in the Cardiovascular Surgery clinic were enrolled in the study. Jostra-Cobe (Model 043213 105, VLC 865, Sweden) heart-lung machine was used in on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting was performed using Octopus and Starfish. Proximal anastomoses to the aorta in both on-pump and off-pump techniques were performed by side clamps. The patients were discharged from the hospital between postoperative day 6 and day 11.Results:The incidence of postoperative right pleural effusion and bilateral pleural effusion was found to be higher as a count in Group 1 (on-pump) as compared to Group 2 (off-pump). But the difference was not statistically significant [P>0.05 for right pleural effusion (P=0.893), P>0.05 for bilateral pleural effusion (P=0.780)]. Left pleural effusion was encountered to be lower in Group 2 (off-pump). The difference was found to be statistically significant (P<0.05, P=0.006).Conclusion:Under the light of these results, it can be said that left pleural effusion is less prevalent in the patients that underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting when compared to the patients that underwent on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

ResumoIntrodução:O presente estudo investigou efeito da utilização de bomba em derrame pleural pós-operatório nos casos de pacientes que se submeteram à cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica.Métodos:Um total de 256 pacientes que foram submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização isolada no ambulatório de Cirurgia Cardiovascular foram incluídos no estudo. Máquina coração-pulmão Jostra-Cobe (Modelo 043213 105, VLC 865, Suécia) foi utilizada em cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica com circulação extracorpórea. Cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica sem circulação extracorpórea foi realizada utilizando Octopus e Starfish. Anastomose proximal na aorta, em ambas as técnicas, foi realizada por grampos laterais. Os pacientes receberam alta do hospital entre os dias 6 e 11 de pós-operatório.Resultados:A incidência de derrame pleural à direita pós-operatória e derrame pleural bilateral encontrada foi mais elevada em contagem do Grupo 1 (com circulação extracorpórea) em relação ao Grupo 2 (sem circulação extracorpórea). Mas a diferença não foi estatisticamente significativa [P>0,05 para derrame pleural à direita (P=0,893), P>0,05 para derrame pleural bilateral (P=0,780)]. O derrame pleural esquerdo encontrado foi menor no Grupo 2 (CEC). A diferença foi estatisticamente significativa (P<0,05, P=0,006).Conclusão:Sob a luz destes resultados, pode-se dizer que derrame pleural esquerdo é menos prevalente nos pacientes que foram submetidos à revascularização do miocárdio sem circulação extracorpórea em comparação com os pacientes que foram submetidos à revascularização do miocárdio com circulação extracorpórea.

Enfoque diagnóstico en el paciente con derrame pleural / Diagnostic approach in pleural effusion

En el estudio diagnóstico del paciente con derrame pleural se deben considerar la historia clínica y el análisis de las imágenes para acotar el diagnóstico diferencial. El uso adecuado de las técnicas de imágenes contribuye a realizar procedimientos en forma segura. Se debe realizar una toracocentesis diagnóstica y/o evacuadora y se debe analizar completamente el líquido pleural. A veces es necesario realizar biopsia pleural para lo cual existen diversas técnicas disponibles. En los pacientes con pleuritis crónica inespecífica se debe hacer seguimiento por dos años para evaluar el desarrollo de malignidad.

The diagnostic approach in patients with pleural effusion must begin considering clinical aspects and image interpretation. Different imaging techniques can safely guide invasive procedures. Diagnostic or therapeutic thoracentesis must be performed and pleural fluid must be completely analyzed. Some patient will require pleural biopsy, and different techniques are available. Patients with chronic unspecific pleuritis histological diagnosis after pleural biopsy, must be followed for two years long to be sure no malignancy is developed.

Medical Thoracoscopy: A Useful Diagnostic Tool for Undiagnosed Pleural effusion.

Objective. We aimed to assess the role of medical thoracoscopy in patients with undiagnosed pleural effusion. Methods. Patiens presenting with pleural effusion underwent three pleural aspirations. Patients in whom pleural fluid analysis was inconclusive underwent closed pleural biopsy for diagnostic confirmation. Patients in whom closed pleural biopsy was incolcusive underwent medical thoracoscopy using a rigid thoracoscope with a viewing angle of zero degrees was done under local anaesthesia and sedation with the patient lying in lateral decubitus position with the affected side up. Biopsy specimens from parietal pleura were obtained under direct vision and were sent for histopathological examination. Results. Of the 128 patients with pleural effusion who were studied, pleural fluid examination established the diagnosis in 81 (malignancy 33, tuberculosis 33, pyogenic 14 and fungal 1); 47 patients underwent closed pleural biopsy and a diagnosis was made in 28 patients (malignancy 24, tuberculosis 4). The remaining 19 patients underwent medical thoracoscopy and pleural biopsy and the aetiological diagnosis could be confirmed in 13 of the 19 patients (69%) (adenocarcinoma 10, poorly differentiated carcinoma 2 and mesothelioma 1). Conclusion. Medical thoracoscopy is a useful tool for the diagnosis of pleural diseases. The procedure is safe with minimal complications.

Características clínicas y laboratoriales del derrame pleural paraneumónico y empiema en niños de 1-14 años en el Servicio de Pediatría del Hospital Carrión año 2007 - 2013 / Clinical and laboratory characteristics of parapneumonic pleural effusion and empyema in children aged 1-14 years in the Pediatrics Service at the Hospital Carrion year 2007 - 2013

Describir las características clínicas y laboratoriales del derrame pleural paraneumónico y del empiema en niños de 1 a 14 años hospitalizados en el Servicio de Pediatría del HNDAC de Enero 2007-Diciembre 2013. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, transversal, en pacientes desde 1 mes de edad hasta 14 años con 11 meses y 29 días, que ingresaron al Servicio de Hospitalización de Pediatría del HNDAC con diagnóstico de derrame pleural paraneumónico y/o empiema, desde el 01 de Enero del 2007 hasta el 31 de Diciembre del 2013. Resultados: En los 7 años de estudio hubo 32 casos (74.4 por ciento del total) de derrame pleural paraneumónico y 11 (25.6 por ciento) de empiema, haciendo una prevalencia de 1.1 por ciento y 0.4 por ciento respectivamente. El compromiso en el empiema fue a predominio izquierdo, y derecho en el derrame. Todos los casos tuvieron más de 4 días de evolución, el rango de fiebre se encontró entre 39 y 40 grados C. Hubo diferencia estadísticamente significativa en el promedio de días de hospitalización, a favor del empiema, asimismo el valor promedio de leucocitos, abastonados y PCR, fue significativamente superior en éstos. En ambos grupos el mayor porcentaje de pacientes presentó leucocitos entre 15000 y 25000, y la mayoría de pacientes presentó PCR superior o igual a 15. El cultivo de líquido pleural resultó positivo en el 50 por ciento de los casos de empiema. El Streptococcus pneumoniae fue el germen aislado con mayor frecuencia. En el empiema el grupo etario de 1 a 2 años fue el más común, mientras que en el derrame pleural paraneumónico lo fue el grupo de 5 a 14 años. Conclusiones: La prevalencia del derrame pleural paraneumónico en niños con diagnóstico de neumonía adquirida en la comunidad fue 1.1 por ciento, mientras que en el empiema, 0.4 por ciento. En el empiema fue más común el compromiso izquierdo, y en el derrame el derecho. Todos los casos tuvieron 5 a más días de tiempo de enfermedad, y presentaron...

To describe the clinical and laboratory characteristics of parapneumonic pleural and empyema in children aged 1-14 years hospitalized at the HNDAC Department of Pediatrics from January 2007-December 2013. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional study in patients from 1 month of age to 14 years and 11 months and 29 days, admitted to HNDAC Hospitalization Department of Pediatrics diagnosed with parapneumonic pleural effusion and/or empyema, from January 1st 2007 until December 31st 2013. Results: In the seven years of study there were 32 cases (74.4 per cent of total) of parapneumonic pleural effusion, and 11 (25.6 per cent) of empyema, with a prevalence of 1.1 per cent and 0.4 per cent respectively. The location of the empyema was on the left side, and in the effusion was on the right side. All cases had more than 4 days of evolution, fever range was between 39 and 40 degrees C. There was statistically significant difference in the average of number of days of hospitalization for the empyema, also the average value of leukocytes, banded neutrophils and CRP was significantly higher in these. In both groups the highest percentage of patients had leukocytes between 15000 and 25000, and most of the patients had CRP value higher or equal than 15. CRP pleural fluid culture was positive in 50 per cent of cases of empyema. Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most frequently isolated germ. The age group of 1-2 years was the most common in empyema, while in the parapneumonic pleural effusion was the group of 5-14 years. Conclusions: The prevalence of in children diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia was 1.1 per cent, while in empyema, 0.4 per cent. In empyema was more common the left side, and the right side in parapneumonic pleural effusion. All cases had 5 or more days of sickness, and had fever (39.2 degrees C average in empyema, and 39.1 degrees C in parapneumonic pleural effusion), being the range of 39-40 degrees C...

A cross-sectional prospective study of pleural effusion among cases of chronic kidney disease.

Background. Pleural effusions of diverse aetiologies are encountered in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The objectives of the present study were to examine the frequency of occurrence, causes, clinical features and management strategies of pleural effusion in patients with CKD including renal transplant recipients. Methods. A prospective cross-sectional observational analysis of pleural effusion in adult patients with CKD (stages 3 to 5) attending the Departments of Nephrology and Respiratory Medicine of a tertiary care institution in Eastern India was performed over a period of one year (February 2010 to January 2011). Results. Pleural effusion was found in 29 out of 430 patients with CKD (6.7%) and in two out of 34 post-renal transplant recipients (5.9%) evaluated during the study period. The mean age was 37.35±1.8 (mean±SEM [standard error of mean]) with a male to female ratio of 2:1. Exudates and transudates were found in equal frequencies. Heart failure was the single most common cause (41.9%, 13 of 31). Tuberculosis (TB) (n=8, 25.8%) and uraemic effusions (n=6, 19.4%) were responsible for the majority of exudates. Unilateral effusion with a normal heart size had a positive predictive value of 83.3% for nonheart failure aetiology. Conclusions. Symptomatic pleural effusion was present in a small proportion of 6.7%; (n=29) patients with CKD including post-renal transplant recipients. Heart failure, TB and uraemic effusions accounted for most of the cases. Differentiating TB from uraemic effusion requires a combined clinico-pathological approach and this differentiation is absolutely necessary for proper management.

Intra-Abdominal Pressure in the Early Phase of Severe Acute Pancreatitis: Canary in a Coal Mine? Results from a Rigorous Validation Protocol

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) is being increasingly reported in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) with worsened outcomes. The present study was undertaken to evaluate intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) as a marker of severity in the entire spectrum of acute pancreatitis and to ascertain the relationship between IAP and development of complications in patients with SAP. METHODS: IAP was measured via the transvesical route by measurements performed at admission, once after controlling pain and then every 4 hours. Data were collected on the length of the hospital stay, the development of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), multiorgan failure, the extent of necrosis, the presence of infection, pleural effusion, and mortality. RESULTS: In total, 40 patients were enrolled and followed up for 30 days. The development of IAH was exclusively associated with SAP with an APACHE II score > or =8 and/or persistent SIRS, identifying all patients who were going to develop abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS). The presence of ACS was associated with a significantly increased extent of pancreatic necrosis, multiple organ failure, and mortality. The mean admission IAP value did not differ significantly from the value obtained after pain control or the maximum IAP measured in the first 5 days. CONCLUSIONS: IAH is reliable marker of severe disease, and patients who manifest organ failure, persistent SIRS, or an Acute Physiology and Chronic health Evaluation II score > or =8 should be offered IAP surveillance. Severe pancreatitis is not a homogenous entity.