Pleural effusion; Pattern at Nishtar hospital, Multan

ABSTRACT

To determine the frequency of various diseases presenting with pleural effusion. Department of Chest Medicine, Nishtar Hospital, Multan. March 2010 to September 2010. A total of 100 patients both sexes, more than 12 years old, with clinically and radiologically confirmed pleural effusion underwent diagnostic thoracocentesis. Pleural fluid was examined grossly and for sugar, protein, LDH, total and differential white cell count and malignant cells. Pleural fluid culture and pleural biopsy was done in case of exudative effusion. Tuberculosis was the most common cause [28%] of exudative pleural effusion followed by parapneumonic effusion [25%] and malignant effusion [9%]. Congestive cardiac failure [13%] and liver cirrhosis [8%] were the commonest cause of transudative pleural effusion. Renal failure [5%], nephritic syndrome [2%], pancreatitis [2%], systemic lupus erythmatosus [2%] were the other significant causes of pleural effusion. Tuberculosis, paraneumonic effusion and malignancies are the common cause of exudative pleural effusion while congestive cardiac failure, liver cirrhosis and nephritic syndrome are common causes of transudative effusion.