Incidence of pleural effusion with dasatinib and the effect of switching therapy to a different TKI in patients with chronic phase CML.

Dasatinib is one of the second generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) which is approved for the treatment of patients with chronic phase CML (CP-CML) both in the front line and in the second line setting. Pleural effusion (PE) is a unique toxicity associated with dasatinib use. Our aim was to study the incidence of pleural effusion in our cohort of patients who were treated with dasatinib for CP-CML and the safety upon TKI switch. A total of 390 patients were treated with dasatinib during their course of treatment for CP-CML. A total of 69 patients (17.6%) developed any grade of PE. About 33 (48%) patients developed CTCAE grade 2 PE, 34 (49%) grade 3 and only 1 patient developed grade 4 PE. Recurrence of PE was observed in 34 (49%) patients. While only 12 patients (17.3%) continued using dasatinib after development of PE, dasatinib was discontinued in the other 57 patients. Therapy was switched to bosutinib in 13 patients out of which 6 (46%) patients re-developed PE. While only 12.5% patients developed re-accumulation of pleural fluid in patients switched to imatinib, none of the patients switched to nilotinib re-developed PE. A change in TKI to bosutinib was associated with a 46% risk of recurrence of PE in patients who develop PE on dasatinib for the treatment of CP-CML. The incidence of recurrent PE was markedly lower in patient switched to imatinib or nilotinib.

Acute kidney injury in hospitalized patients with nonmalignant pleural effusions: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Nonmalignant pleural effusion (NMPE) is common and remains a definite health care problem. Pleural effusion was supposed to be a risk factor for acute kidney injury (AKI). Incidence of AKI in NMPE patients and whether there is correlation between the size of effusions and AKI is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence of AKI in NMPE inpatients and its association with effusion size. STUDY DESIGN AND METHOD: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of inpatients admitted to the Chinese PLA General Hospital with pleural effusion from 2018-2021. All patients with pleural effusions confirmed by chest radiography (CT or X-ray) were included, excluding patients with diagnosis of malignancy, chronic dialysis, end-stage renal disease (ESRD), community-acquired AKI, hospital-acquired AKI before chest radiography, and fewer than two serum creatinine tests during hospitalization. Multivariate logistic regression and LASSO logistic regression models were used to identify risk factors associated with AKI. Subgroup analyses and interaction tests for effusion volume were performed adjusted for the variables selected by LASSO. Causal mediation analysis was used to estimate the mediating effect of heart failure, pneumonia, and eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73m2 on AKI through effusion volume. RESULTS: NMPE was present in 7.8% of internal medicine inpatients. Of the 3047 patients included, 360 (11.8%) developed AKI during hospitalization. After adjustment by covariates selected by LASSO, moderate and large effusions increased the risk of AKI compared with small effusions (moderate: OR 1.47, 95%CI 1.11-1.94 p = 0.006; large: OR 1.86, 95%CI 1.05-3.20 p = 0.028). No significant modification effect was observed among age, gender, diabetes, bilateral effusions, and eGFR. Volume of effusions mediated 6.8% (p = 0.005), 4.0% (p = 0.046) and 4.6% (p < 0.001) of the effect of heart failure, pneumonia and low eGFR on the development of AKI respectively. CONCLUSION: The incidence of AKI is high among NMPE patients. Moderate and large effusion volume is independently associated with AKI compared to small size. The effusion size acts as a mediator in heart failure, pneumonia, and eGFR.

The Relationship between the Duration of Surgery for Thoracoscopic Lobectomy and Postoperative Complications in Patients with Stage I Non-small Cell Lung Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between the duration of surgery for thoracoscopic lobectomy and postoperative complications in patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: The clinical data of patients who underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Shaoxing Central Hospital from September 2018 to September 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 263 patients with thoracoscopic lobectomy were enrolled in this study. The duration of surgery was longer for patients with postoperative hospital stay >7 days, atrial fibrillation, postoperative pulmonary air leakage (>5 days), pleural effusion, or pneumonia compared to patients without corresponding complications, and the differences were statistically significant. Further regression analysis showed that prolonged duration of surgery was a risk factor for pneumonia, pleural effusion, atrial fibrillation, and postoperative hospital stay >7 days, and the predictive value of prolonged duration of surgery for the above complications was moderate. The results of chi-square tests showed that pneumonia, atelectasis, urinary tract infection, liver dysfunction, postoperative pulmonary air leakage (>5 days), pleural effusion, and atrial fibrillation were associated with postoperative hospital stay >7 days. CONCLUSION: Prolonged duration of surgery is a risk factor for complications such as pneumonia, pleural effusion, atrial fibrillation, and postoperative hospital stay >7 days.

Features which discriminate between tuberculosis and haematologic malignancy as the cause of pleural effusions with high adenosine deaminase.

BACKGROUND: Adenosine deaminase (ADA) is a useful biomarker for the diagnosis of tuberculous pleurisy (TBP). However, pleural effusions with high ADA can also be caused by other diseases, particularly hematologic malignant pleural effusion (hMPE). This study aimed to investigate the features that could differentiate TBP and hMPE in patients with pleural effusion ADA ≥ 40 IU/L. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study of patients with pleural effusion ADA ≥ 40 IU/L, conducted at a Korean tertiary referral hospital with an intermediate tuberculosis burden between January 2010 and December 2017. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the features associated with TBP and hMPE, respectively. RESULTS: Among 1134 patients with ADA ≥ 40 IU/L, 375 (33.1%) and 85 (7.5%) were diagnosed with TBP and hMPE, respectively. TBP and hMPE accounted for 59% (257/433) and 6% (27/433) in patients with ADA between 70 and 150 IU/L, respectively. However, in patients with ADA ≥ 150 IU/L, they accounted for 7% (9/123) and 19% (23/123), respectively. When ADA between 40 and 70 IU/L was the reference category, ADA between 70 and 150 IU/L was independently associated with TBP (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.95-4.95; P < 0.001). ADA ≥ 150 IU/L was negatively associated with TBP (aOR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.14-0.90; P = 0.029) and positively associated with hMPE (aOR, 13.21; 95% CI, 5.67-30.79; P < 0.001). In addition, TBP was independently associated with lymphocytes ≥ 35% and a lactate dehydrogenase (LD)/ADA ratio < 18 in pleural effusion. hMPE was independently associated with pleural polymorphonuclear neutrophils < 50%, thrombocytopenia, and higher serum LD. A combination of lymphocytes ≥ 35%, LD/ADA < 18, and ADA < 150 IU/L demonstrated a sensitivity of 0.824 and specificity of 0.937 for predicting TBP. CONCLUSION: In patients with very high levels of pleural effusion ADA, hMPE should be considered. Several features in pleural effusion and serum may help to more effectively differentiate TBP from hMPE.

Pleural procedures: an audit of practice and complications in a regional Australian teaching hospital.

BACKGROUND: Pleural procedures are essential for the investigation and management of pleural disease and can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. There is a lack of pleural procedure complication data in the Australian and New Zealand region. AIMS: To review pleural procedure practices at Wollongong Hospital with an emphasis on the assessment of complications, use of thoracic ultrasound (TUS), pathology results and comparison of findings with international data. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of medical records was performed on pleural procedures identified through respiratory specialist trainee logbooks at Wollongong Hospital from January 2018 to December 2021. Comparison of complication rates was made to the British Thoracic Society 2011 a national pleural audit. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-one pleural procedures were identified. There were 71 chest drains, 49 thoracocentesis and one indwelling pleural catheter (IPC) insertion. Ninety-seven per cent of procedures were performed for pleural effusions and 3% for pneumothorax. This audit demonstrated a complication rate (excluding pain) of 16.9% for chest drains and 4.1% for thoracocentesis. This gave an overall complication event rate of 10.8% (excluding pain) for pleural procedures. There was no major bleeding, organ puncture, pleural space infection or death. Bedside TUS was used in 99% of procedures. CONCLUSION: Complication rates for pleural procedures performed by respiratory specialist trainees at Wollongong Hospital are comparable with international outcomes. This audit provides data for comparison on pleural procedure complication rates in Australia. Future studies are required to determine complication rates with IPCs.

Safety and Outcomes of Outpatient Pleural Drainage in Symptomatic Postoperative Cardiac Surgery Patients.

BACKGROUND: Symptomatic pleural effusions and anticoagulant/antiplatelet medication use in postoperative cardiac surgery are common. Guidelines and recommendations are currently mixed regarding medication management related to invasive procedure performance. We aimed to describe the outcomes of postoperative cardiac surgery patients referred for outpatient, symptomatic pleural effusion management. METHODS: A retrospective study of post-cardiac surgery patients undergoing outpatient thoracentesis from 2016 to 2021 was performed. Demographics, operative details, pleural disease characteristics, outcomes, and complications were collected. Odds ratios with confidence intervals were estimated and adjusted by multivariate logistic regression to investigate the association with multiple thoracenteses. RESULTS: A total of 110 patients underwent 332 thoracenteses. The median age was 68 years and most common operation was coronary artery bypass. Anticoagulation or antiplatelet use was identified in 97%. Thirteen complications were identified, with all major complications (n=3) related to bleeding. The amount of fluid present at the time of initial thoracentesis (>1500 milliliters) was associated with increased odds ratio of subsequent multiple thoracentesis (Unadjusted odds ratio, 6.75 (CI - 1.43 to 31.9). No other variables had a significant association with the need for multiple procedures. CONCLUSION: Within a postoperative cardiac surgery population presenting with symptomatic pleural disease, we observed that thoracentesis performed on antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant medication is relatively safe. We also identified that many patients can be managed as outpatients and that most pleural effusions remain self-limited. The presence of larger amounts of pleural fluid at initial thoracentesis may be associated with increased odds for additional drainage.

Does previous asbestos exposure increase the risk of a post coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) pleural effusion - a routine data study?

BACKGROUND: Development of pleural effusion (PE) following CABG is common. Post-CABG PE are divided into early- (within 30 days of surgery) and delayed-onset (30 days-1 year) which are likely due to distinct pathological processes. Some experts suggest asbestos exposure may confer an independent risk for late-onset post-CABG PE, however no large studies have explored this potential association. RESEARCH QUESTION: To explore possible association between asbestos exposure and post-CABG PE using routine data. METHODS: All patients who underwent CABG 01/04/2013-31/03/2018 were identified from the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) Database. This England-wide population was evaluated for evidence of asbestos exposure, pleural plaques or asbestosis and a diagnosis of PE or PE-related procedure from 30 days to 1 year post-CABG. Patients with evidence of PE three months prior to CABG were excluded, as were patients with a new mesothelioma diagnosis. RESULTS: 68,150 patients were identified, of whom 1,003 (1%) were asbestos exposed and 2,377 (3%) developed late-onset PE. After adjusting for demographic data, Index of Multiple Deprivation and Charlson Co-morbidity Index, asbestos exposed patients had increased odds of PE diagnosis or related procedure such as thoracentesis or drainage (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.03-1.76, p = 0.04). In those with evidence of PE requiring procedure alone, the adjusted OR was 1.66 (95% CI 1.14-2.40, p = 0.01). Additional subgroup analysis of the 518 patients coded for pleural plaques and asbestosis alone revealed an adjusted OR of post-CABG PE requiring a procedure of 2.16 (95% CI 1.38-3.37, p = 0.002). INTERPRETATION: This large-scale study demonstrates prior asbestos exposure is associated with modestly increased risk of post-CABG PE development. The risk association appears higher in patients with assigned clinical codes indicative of radiological evidence of asbestos exposure (pleural plaques or asbestosis). This association may fit with a possible inflammatory co-pathogenesis, with asbestos exposure 'priming' the pleura resulting in greater propensity for PE evolution following the physiological insult of CABG surgery. Further work, including prospective studies and clinicopathological correlation are suggested to explore this further.

Management and Risk Factors for Pleural Effusion in Japanese Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Treated with First-line Dasatinib in Real-world Clinical Practice.

Objective Pleural effusion (PE) is a common adverse event that occurs during dasatinib therapy for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). However, the pathomechanism of PE and appropriate management of Asian patients with CML have not been elucidated. This study investigated the incidence rate, risk, and appropriate management of PE in Asian patients with CML treated with dasatinib. Methods We retrospectively collected data on patients in the chronic phase of CML who received first-line dasatinib therapy and were registered in the CML-Cooperative Study Group database. Patients We identified 44 cases of PE in a series of 89 patients and analyzed previously reported risk factors and effective management of PE. Results A univariate analysis revealed that age, diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, hypertension, the history of cardiovascular events, and dasatinib dose were significantly associated with PE. A multivariate analysis revealed that age ≥65 years old was the only independent risk factor for PE. Dasatinib dose reduction and switching to a tyrosine kinase inhibitor showed a statistically significant difference in effectively reducing PE volume compared to single diuretic use. Conclusion Although further studies are warranted, our observations showed that advanced age is a significant risk factor for PE, and tyrosine kinase inhibitor dose reduction or replacement of dasatinib may be an effective management strategy for PE in Asian CML patients who received first-line treatment with dasatinib in real-world clinical practice.

Comparison of post-operative and pulmonary morbidity due to subxiphoid and midaxillary chest drainage tubes after coronary artery bypass grafting.

AIM: pain and pulmonary morbidity in patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) using left internal thoracic artery (LITA) grafting. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study was prospective and included 40 patients who underwent elective isolated CABG with pedicled LITA grafts. Patients were divided into two groups according to the method used to place chest drainage tubes. Group 1 (n=20) had the left chest drain tube inserted through the sixth intercostal space along the anterior axillary line (mid-axillary approach), and Group 2 (n=20) had the left chest drain tube inserted through the midline inferior to the xiphoid process (subxiphoid approach). We evaluated the groups in terms of postoperative pain, pulmonary morbidity, amount of chest tube drainage, need for analgesic agents, and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: In group 1, the pain was significantly higher during mobilization and drain removal (p<0.05) but was similar at rest. In Group 1 and Group 2, pulmonary morbidity rates were statistically similar for pleural effusion (2 vs. 5; p=0.40), atelectasis (2 vs. 5; p=0.40), and pneumothorax after drain removal (1 vs. 0; p=1.00). Two of the patients with pleural effusion in Group 2 underwent thoracentesis. There was no difference between the two groups regarding the amount of chest tube drainage, cumulative doses of an analgesic agent, and length of hospital stay (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: According to these results, both procedures can be used safely for chest drainage tube placement after CABG. KEY WORDS: Chest Pain, Chest Tubes, Coronary Artery Bypass, Complications, Drainage, Postoperative.

Predictors of prolonged pleural effusion after Fontan operation.

Prolonged pleural effusion is a fairly common condition which has considerable impact on complicated and longer hospital stays after Fontan surgery. Identifying the patient population prone to have pleural effusions is still seeking for an answer. This study is to determine the variables that may predict prolonged pleural effusion according to the data of 69 patients who underwent Fontan operation between June 2018 and December 2020 and survived to date. Prolonged pleural effusion was defined as the need for a chest tube for more than 7 days. Two patient groups, with and without prolonged effusion, were compared in terms of pre-, peri-, and post-operative variables. The patients were subdivided into "high-risk" and "low-risk" groups based on the pre-operative catheterisation data. The most frequent main diagnosis was tricuspid atresia (n: 13, 19%). Among 69 patients, 28 (40%) had prolonged pleural effusion whereas 11 (16%) had effusions that lasted longer than 14 days. Ten patients among prolonged effusion group (35%) had pulmonary atresia coexistent with the main diagnosis. Fontan operation was performed in 6 patients (8.7%) over the age of 10, and 4 of these patients (67%) had prolonged pleural effusion. Among numerous variables, statistical significance between the two groups was achieved in pre-operative mean pulmonary artery pressure, post-operative albumin, C-reactive protein levels, length of hospital stay, duration of chest tube drainage, and amount of effusion per day. Early recognition and treatment strategies with routine medical protocol use remain to be the cornerstone for the management of post-operative prolonged pleural effusions after Fontan surgery.

Incidence of complications from indwelling pleural catheter for pleural effusion: A meta-analysis.

Indwelling pleural catheter (IPC) is widely used in patients with pleural effusion (PE). This meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively summarize the clinical complication from IPC. We searched four large electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library) for potentially relevant studies and assessed the included studies' quality using the methodological index for nonrandomized studies' criteria. Extracted data were used to pool rates, and to conduct subgroup and meta-regression analyses. Forty-one studies involving a cumulative 4983 patients with 5650 IPCs were included in this meta-analysis. The overall incidence of IPC complications was 20.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 15.0-26.3). The top four complications were: overall infection incidence 5.7% (95% CI: 0.7-2.4); overall catheter abnormality incidence 4.4% (95% CI: 2.8-6.3); pain incidence 1.2% (95% CI: 0.4-2.4); and overall loculation incidence 0.9% (95% CI: 0.1-2.1). Subgroup and meta-regression analyses for overall complications and infections by country, PE site, and PE type demonstrated these factors did not contribute significantly to heterogeneity. Further subgroup analyses for infection of benign PE showed that the overall infection incidence (12.6% [95% CI: 8.1-17.8] vs 0.7% [95% CI: 0.0-4.5]) and empyema incidence (9.1% [95% CI: 5.3-13.8] vs 0.0% [95% CI: 0.0-2.3]) of patients with liver-related PE were significantly higher than that of patients with heart-related PE. Our meta-analysis showed reliable pooled incidences of IPC-related complications, with infection being the most common. These results serve to remind clinicians about the incidence of IPC-related complications and emphasize the importance of taking corresponding preventive and therapeutic steps.

Iatrogenic Pneumothorax During Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulator Implantation: A Large Database Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: There have been case reports of adverse events of hypoglossal nerve stimulator (HNS) implantation not seen in previous clinical trials, including pneumothorax and pleural effusion. The purpose of this study was to determine the rates of these complications and potential risk factors. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study during 2014 to 2021. SETTING: Twenty-five health care organizations across the United States. METHODS: The TriNetX Research Network was queried by using disease codes to retrospectively identify patients with obstructive sleep apnea who underwent HNS implantation. Rates of pneumothorax, pleural effusion, other complications, and need for revision/replacement or explant were determined. RESULTS: We identified 1813 patients from 25 health care organizations who underwent HNS implantation. The average age was 60 years, and there were 68% males and 32% females. Of the cohort, 2.4% (n = 44 from 7 implant centers) experienced a pneumothorax, and 0.6% (n = 11) were diagnosed with a pleural effusion on the day of surgery. Patients who experienced pneumothorax were more likely to have a history of chronic lower respiratory diseases when compared with those who did not (odds ratio, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.1-4.1; P = .02). CONCLUSION: The incidence of intraoperative pneumothorax and pleural effusion during HNS implantation may be greater than initially thought. Patients with chronic lower respiratory diseases may be at increased risk. This should be communicated with patients during the informed consent process.

Pleural Disease in Acute COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Single Center Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Pleural diseases encompass pleural effusion and pneumothorax (PTX), both of which were uncommon in coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19). We aimed to describe the frequency, characteristics, and main outcomes of these conditions in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of inpatients with COVID-19 pneumonia between January 1, 2020 and January 1, 2022, at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts. RESULTS: Among 4419 inpatients with COVID-19 pneumonia, 109 (2.5%) had concurrent pleural disease. Ninety-four (2.1%) had pleural effusion (50% seen on admission) and 15 (0.3%) had PTX, both with higher rates of underlying conditions such as heart failure, liver disease, kidney disease, and malignancy. A total of 28 (30%) pleural effusions were drained resulting in 32% being exudative, 43% pseudoexudative, and 25% transudative. Regarding PTX, 5 (33%) were spontaneous and 10 (67%) were due to barotrauma while on mechanical ventilation. We found that the presence of underlying lung disease was not associated with an increased risk of developing PTX. In addition, patients with pleural disease had a higher incidence of severe or critical illness as represented by intensive care unit admission and intubation, longer hospital and intensive care unit stay, and a higher mortality rate as compared with patients without the pleural disease. CONCLUSION: Pleural effusions and pneumothoraces are infrequent findings in patients admitted due to COVID-19 pneumonia, worsened outcomes in these patients likely reflect an interplay between the severity of inflammation and parenchymal injury due to COVID-19 disease and underlying comorbidities.

Comportamiento de características seleccionadas en pacientes hospitalizados por neumonía adquirida en la comunidad y algunas asociaciones de interés práctico / Behavior of selected characteristics in patients hospitalized for community-acquired pneumonia and some associations of practical interest

La neumonía adquirida en la comunidad constituye una de las afecciones respiratorias que provoca más demanda de asistencia médica, y es responsable del mayor número de fallecidos por enfermedades infecciosas en Cuba. El objetivo del estudio ha sido determinar el comportamiento de características seleccionadas en pacientes hospitalizados por neumonía y precisar la existencia de asociaciones entre algunas de estas características.Se realizó un estudio observacional, con diseño descriptivo, que incluyó 1,809 pacientes hospitalizados por neumonía entre enero de 2012 y febrero de 2020. Fueron analizadas características relacionadas con las condiciones de base, clínico-radiológicas, y relativas al manejo y la evolución, mediante análisis bivariante y multivariante (regresión logística). La serie estuvo constituida fundamentalmente por pacientes ancianos (79%), mientras que el 20% presentaba la condición de encamamiento. Esta condición se asoció significativamente con el estado de demencia avanzada (OR 7,6[5,5;10,4]), y fue determinante en la presentación "solapada" del proceso (OR 1,5[1,09;2]). La presentación "solapada" de la neumonía estuvo significativamente asociada al ingreso tardío (OR 1,6[1,2;2,2]). Como conclusiones se ratifica el lugar que ocupan varios elementos en las características de la morbilidad por neumonía: edad avanzada, presencia de comorbilidades, y presentación no clásica del proceso. Fueron constatadas interrelaciones de importancia práctica entre la presencia de comorbilidades particulares, las formas clínicas de presentación, el momento del ingreso, y la utilización de antimicrobianos durante la atención prehospitalaria del paciente. Se destaca el papel del encamamiento en la extensión radiológica del proceso neumónico y en la presencia de derrame pleural de mediana o gran cuantía al momento del ingreso.

Community-acquired pneumonia is one of the respiratory conditions that causes the greatest demand for medical care, and is responsible for the largest number of deaths from infectious diseases in Cuba. The objective of the study was to determine the behavior of selected characteristics in patients hospitalized for pneumonia and to specify the existence of associations between some of these characteristics. An observational study, with a descriptive design, was carried out, which included 1,809 patients hospitalized for pneumonia between January 2012 and February 2020. Characteristics related to the basic, clinical-radiological conditions, and relative to management and evolution were analyzed, through analysis bivariate and multivariate (logistic regression). The series consisted mainly of elderly patients (79%), while 20% were bedridden. This condition was significantly associated with the state of advanced dementia (OR 7.6[5.5;10.4]) and was decisive in the "overlapping" presentation of the process (OR 1.5[1.09;2]). The "overlapping" presentation of pneumonia was significantly associated with late admission (OR 1.6[1.2;2.2]). As conclusions, the place occupied by several elements in the characteristics of pneumonia morbidity is ratified: advanced age, presence of comorbidities, and non-classical presentation of the process. Interrelationships of practical importance were found between the presence of comorbidities, the clinical forms of presentation, the time of admission, and the use of antimicrobials during the patient's prehospital care. The role of bed rest in the radiological extension of the pneumonic process and in the presence of medium or large pleural effusion at the time of admission is highlighted.

Incidence and management of pleural effusions in patients with Wilms tumor: A Pediatric Surgical Oncology Research Collaborative study.

Wilms tumor (WT) is the most common renal malignancy in children. Children with favorable histology WT achieve survival rates of over 90%. Twelve percent of patients present with metastatic disease, most commonly to the lungs. The presence of a pleural effusion at the time of diagnosis of WT may be noted on staging imaging; however, minimal data exist regarding the significance and prognostic importance of this finding. The objectives of our study are to identify the incidence of pleural effusions in patients with WT, and to determine the potential impact on oncologic outcomes. A multi-institutional retrospective review was performed from January 2009 to December 2019, including children with WT and a pleural effusion on diagnostic imaging treated at Pediatric Surgical Oncology Research Collaborative (PSORC) participating institutions. Of 1259 children with a new WT diagnosis, 94 (7.5%) had a pleural effusion. Patients with a pleural effusion were older than those without (median 4.3 vs 3.5 years; P = .004), and advanced stages were more common (local stage III 85.9% vs 51.9%; P < .0001). Only 14 patients underwent a thoracentesis for fluid evaluation; 3 had cytopathologic evidence of malignant cells. Event-free and overall survival of all children with WT and pleural effusions was 86.2% and 91.5%, respectively. The rate and significance of malignant cells present in pleural fluid is unknown due to low incidence of cytopathologic analysis in our cohort; therefore, the presence of an effusion does not appear to necessitate a change in therapy. Excellent survival can be expected with current stage-specific treatment regimens.

Reduced risk of arterial thromboembolism in cats with pleural effusion due to congestive heart failure.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine whether cardiogenic pleural effusion in cats is associated with a lower risk of arterial thromboembolism (ATE) compared with cats with cardiac disease without evidence of pleural effusion. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on owned cats with natural occurring cardiac diseases. Cats included were classified in three groups: those with cardiac disease but no evidence of congestive heart failure (CHF); those with evidence of cardiogenic pulmonary oedema; and those with evidence of cardiogenic pleural effusion. Prevalence of ATE was calculated and the variables analysed for an association with this outcome were the presence and type of CHF, sex and neuter status, age, breed, type of cardiac diseases and left atrial (LA) dimension. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to fit the association between ATE and these variables. RESULTS: A total of 366 cats with cardiac disease met the inclusion criteria: 179 were included in the group with cardiac disease but no evidence of CHF, 66 in the group with evidence of cardiogenic pulmonary oedema and 121 in the group with evidence of cardiogenic pleural effusion. Prevalence of ATE (58/366 [15.8%]) was significantly different among groups (with no evidence of CHF, 28/179 [15.6%]; with evidence of cardiogenic pulmonary oedema, 22/66 [33.3%]; with evidence of cardiogenic pleural effusion, 8/121 [6.6%]; P <0.001). Cats with ATE had a significantly higher LA to aortic root ratio (2.30 ± 0.46) than those without ATE (2.04 ± 0.46; P <0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that the group with evidence of cardiogenic pleural effusion was associated with a lower risk of developing ATE compared with groups with cardiac disease but no evidence of CHF and with evidence of cardiogenic pulmonary oedema (P = 0.005 and P <0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Presence of cardiogenic pleural effusion is associated with a lower risk of developing ATE, while LA enlargement is a risk factor for ATE.

Predictors of Readmission Following Treatment for Traumatic Hemothorax.

INTRODUCTION: Retained-hemothorax after trauma can be associated with prolonged hospitalization, empyema, pneumonia, readmission, and the need for additional intervention. The purpose of this study is to reduce patient morbidity associated with retained-hemothorax by defining readmission rates and identifying predictors of readmission after traumatic hemothorax. METHODS: The Nationwide Readmission Database for 2017 was queried for patients with an index admission for traumatic hemothorax during the first 9 mo of the year. Deaths during the index admission were excluded. Data collected includes demographics, injury mechanism, outcomes and interventions including chest tube, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, and thoracotomy. Chest-related readmissions (CRR) were defined as hemothorax, pleural effusion, pyothorax, and lung abscess. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to identify predictors of readmission. RESULTS: There were 13,903 patients admitted during the study period with a mean age of 53 ± 21, 75.2% were admitted after blunt versus 18.3% penetrating injury. The overall 90-day readmission rate was 20.8% (n = 2896). The 90-day CRR rate was 5.7% (n = 794), with 80.5% of these occurring within 30 d. Of all CRR, 62.3% (n = 495) required an intervention (chest tube 72.7%, Thoracotomy 26.9%, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery 0.4%). Mortality for CRR was 6.2%. Predictors for CRR were age >50, pyothorax or pleural effusion during the index admission and discharge to another healthcare facility or skilled nursing facility. CONCLUSIONS: Majority of CRR after traumatic hemothorax occur within 30 d of discharge and frequently require invasive intervention. These findings can be used to improve post discharge follow-up and monitoring.

Comparison of clinical manifestation among Australian Indigenous and non-indigenous patients presenting with pleural effusion.

BACKGROUND: There is sparse evidence in the literature in relation to the nature and causes of pleural effusion among Australian Indigenous population. AIM: To investigate the clinical and demographic characteristics of adult indigenous patients presenting with pleural effusion in the Northern Territory of Australia. METHODS: In this retrospective study, indigenous and non-indigenous adults diagnosed to have pleural effusion over a 2-year study period were included for comparative analysis. RESULTS: Of the 314 patients, 205 (65%) were non-indigenous and 52% were male. In comparison with non-indigenous patients, the indigenous patients were younger (50 years (interquartile range (IQR) 39-60) vs 63 years (IQR 52-72); P < 0.001), female (61% vs 41%; P = 0.001), had a higher prevalence of renal and cardiovascular disease and tended to have exudative effusion (93% vs 76%; P = 0.032). Infections were judged to be the most common cause of effusion in both groups, more so among the indigenous cohort. Effusion secondary to renal disease was higher (13% vs 1%; P < 0.001) among Australian Indigenous patients, but in contrast, malignant effusions were higher (13% vs 4%; P = 0.004) among non-indigenous patients. Length of hospital stay was longer for indigenous patients (P = 0.001), and a greater proportion received renal dialysis (13% vs 1%; P < 0.001). Intensive care unit admission rates were higher with infective aetiology of pleural effusion (82% vs 53% indigenous and 44% vs 39% non-indigenous respectively). Re-presentations to hospital were higher among indigenous patients (46% vs 33%; P = 0.046) and were associated with renal and cardiac disease and malignancy in non-indigenous patients. CONCLUSION: There are significant differences in the way pleural effusion manifests among Australian Indigenous patients. Understanding these differences might facilitate approaches to management and to implementation of strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality in this population.

Pleural effusion: a potential surrogate marker for higher-risk patients with acute type B aortic dissections.

OBJECTIVES: Pleural effusions (PEffs) are known to occur in type B acute aortic dissection (TBAAD). We investigated the relationship between pleural effusion and the development of early or late complications following TBAAD. METHODS: The incidence of PEff (defined as at least an obliteration of the costophrenic angle in a frontal projection) diagnosed on their initial chest X-ray in patients with TBAAD enrolled in the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection was examined. We analysed in-hospital outcomes and long-term survival separately for patients with and without PEffs (PEff+ versus PEff-, respectively). RESULTS: Included were 1252 patients with TBAAD, of whom 224 (17.9%) had PEff. Compared with patients without PEff in the initial chest X-ray, these were significantly older [mean age 67 (SD: 14.7) vs 63.4 (SD: 14.2) years, P = 0.001] and more often female (42.4% vs 34.2%, P = 0.021) and had more comorbidities (known aortic aneurysm, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic renal failure, diabetes, congestive heart failure or mitral valve disease). PEff was associated with higher in-hospital mortality (16.1% vs 9.1%, P = 0.002) and increased rates of neurological complications (16.6% vs 11.1%, P = 0.029), acute renal failure (27.2% vs 19.7%, P = 0.017) and hypotension (17.4% vs 9.6%, P = 0.001). In addition, patients with PEff underwent aortic repair more frequently (44.6% vs 32.5%, P < 0.001). In the long-term patients with PEff showed lower 5-year post-discharge survival (67.6% vs 77.6%, P = 0.004). Multivariable analysis with propensity-matched data showed that PEff was not an independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality (odds ratio 1.9, 95% CI 0.8-4.4, P = 0.141). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with TBAAD and evidence of PEff showed a higher in-hospital mortality, are more likely to develop additional in-hospital complications and have a decreased likelihood of survival during follow-up. However, according to propensity-matched analysis, PEff remained not as an independent predictor of worse outcome but might serve as an early surrogate marker to identify higher-risk patients.

Sarcoidosis associated pleural effusion: Clinical aspects.

A sarcoidosis associated pleural effusion (SAPE) is a pleural effusion caused by active granulomatous inflammation from sarcoidosis. We describe the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnostic approach, treatment strategies and outcome of this condition. SAPE occurs in approximately 1% of sarcoidosis patients. The condition most commonly occurs at the initial presentation of sarcoidosis or within the first year. Dyspnea is the most common presenting symptom. Although a definitive diagnosis of SAPE requires a pleural biopsy, the diagnosis may be established on the basis of clinical features alone provided that alternative conditions can be reliably excluded. Pleural fluid analysis is essential in establishing the clinical diagnosis of SAPE. Corticosteroids are the drugs of choice for SAPE, and they are usually rapidly effective with courses of therapy often lasting less than two months. SAPE tends to have a low rate of recurrence that appears be to lower than for many other forms of sarcoidosis.