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Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine May 2024The aim of this study was to review current key points in the aetiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of empyema thoracis. Early postpandemic trends have seen an... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
The aim of this study was to review current key points in the aetiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of empyema thoracis. Early postpandemic trends have seen an increasing global incidence and evolution in the aetiology of empyema. Due to varied aetiology and typically lengthy treatment, empyema will be disproportionately affected by the rising tide of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), thus warranting attention and further research.
RECENT FINDINGS
Multiple novel biomarkers (e.g. IL-36γ) are under investigation to aid diagnosis, while oral health assessment tools are now available for prognosticating and risk-stratifying patients with thoracic empyema. There exists an ongoing lack of evidence-based guidance surrounding antibiotic treatment duration, surgical intervention indication, and prognostic scoring utility.
SUMMARY
Understanding aetiologies in different global regions and settings is pivotal for guiding empirical treatment. Antimicrobial resistance will make thoracic empyema increasingly challenging to treat and should prompt increased awareness of prescribing practices. Novel biomarkers are under investigation which may speed up differentiation of pleural effusion types, allowing faster cohorting of patients.Although newly identified predictors of morbidity and mortality have been suggested to be beneficial for incorporation into clinical practice, further work is required to prognosticate, risk-stratify, and standardize treatment.
Topics: Humans; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Biomarkers; Empyema, Pleural; Pleural Effusion
PubMed: 38323933
DOI: 10.1097/MCP.0000000000001054 -
BMC Pulmonary Medicine Jul 2023Pleural disease (PD), particularly malignant pleural effusion (MPE), is a common cause of hospital admission and its prevalence is rising worldwide. Recent advances in...
BACKGROUND
Pleural disease (PD), particularly malignant pleural effusion (MPE), is a common cause of hospital admission and its prevalence is rising worldwide. Recent advances in diagnostic and therapeutic options, such as Indwelling Pleural Catheters (IPCs), have simplified PD treatment, allowing an effective outpatients management. Therefore, dedicated pleural services can improve PD care, guaranteeing specialized management and optimizing time and cost. We aimed to provide an overview on MPE management in Italy, mainly focused on distribution and characteristics of pleural services and IPCs use.
METHODS
A nationwide survey, endorsed by the Italian Thoracic Society, was distributed by email to members of selected subgroups in 2021.
RESULTS
Ninety (23%) members replied, most of whom being pulmonologists (91%). MPE resulted the most common cause of pleural effusion and was managed with heterogenous approaches, including talc pleurodesis via slurry (43%), talc poudrage (31%), repeated thoracentesis (22%) and IPCs insertion (2%). The setting of IPC insertion was inpatient care in 48% of cases, with a predominance of draining frequency every other day. IPC management mainly relied on caregivers (42%). The presence of a pleural service was reported by 37% of respondents.
CONCLUSIONS
The present study provides an extensive overview of MPE management in Italy, showing a highly heterogeneous approach, a scarce prevalence of out-patient pleural services, and a still limited adoption of IPCs, mainly due to lack of dedicated community care systems. This survey emphasizes the need of promoting a higher spreading of pleural services and an innovative healthcare delivery with more favourable cost-benefit ratio.
Topics: Humans; Pleural Effusion, Malignant; Talc; Pleura; Pleural Diseases; Italy
PubMed: 37430219
DOI: 10.1186/s12890-023-02530-4 -
Respiratory Investigation Jan 2024Several markers for the diagnosis of pleural effusion have been reported; however, a comprehensive evaluation using those markers has not been performed. Therefore, this...
BACKGROUND
Several markers for the diagnosis of pleural effusion have been reported; however, a comprehensive evaluation using those markers has not been performed. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a diagnostic flowchart for tuberculous pleurisy, pleural infection, malignant pleural effusion, and other diseases by using these markers.
METHODS
We retrospectively collected data from 174 patients with tuberculous pleurisy, 215 patients with pleural infection other than tuberculous pleurisy, 360 patients with malignant pleural effusion, and 209 patients with other diseases at Fukujuji Hospital from January 2012 to October 2022. The diagnostic flowchart for four diseases was developed by using several previously reported markers.
RESULTS
The flowchart was developed by including seven markers: pleural ADA ≥40 IU/L, pleural fluid LDH <825 IU/L, pleural fluid ADA/TP < 14, neutrophil predominance or cell degeneration, peripheral blood WBC ≥9200/μL or serum CRP ≥12 mg/dL, pleural amylase ≥75 U/L, and the presence of pneumothorax according to the algorithm of a decision tree. The accuracy ratio of the flowchart was 71.7 % for the diagnosis of the four diseases, with 79.3 % sensitivity and 75.4 % positive predictive value (PPV) for tuberculosis pleurisy, 75.8 % sensitivity and 83.2 % PPV for pleural infection, 88.6 % sensitivity and 68.8 % PPV for malignant pleural effusion, and 33.0 % sensitivity and 60.0 % PPV for other diseases in the flowchart. The misdiagnosis ratios were 4.6 % for tuberculosis pleurisy, 6.8 % for pleural infection, and 8.3 % for malignant pleural effusion.
CONCLUSION
This study developed a useful diagnostic flowchart for tuberculous pleurisy, pleural infection, malignant pleural effusion, and other diseases.
Topics: Humans; Tuberculosis, Pleural; Pleural Effusion, Malignant; Retrospective Studies; Software Design; Pleural Effusion; Biomarkers; Diagnosis, Differential; Pleurisy; Sensitivity and Specificity
PubMed: 38141528
DOI: 10.1016/j.resinv.2023.11.005 -
Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery Jul 2023COVID-19 Patients may be at risk for involving with spontaneous pneumothorax. However, clinical data are lacking in this regard. In this study, we aimed to investigate...
INTRODUCTION
COVID-19 Patients may be at risk for involving with spontaneous pneumothorax. However, clinical data are lacking in this regard. In this study, we aimed to investigate the demographic, clinical, and radiological characteristics and survival predictors in COVID-19 patients with pneumothorax.
METHODS
This is a retrospectivestudy conducted on COVID-19 patients with pneumothorax that had been hospitalized at hospital. l from December 2021 to March 2022. The chest computed tomography (CT) scan of all patients was reviewed by an experienced pulmonologist in search of pulmonary pneumothorax. Survival analysis was conducted to identify the predictors of survival in patients with COVID-19 and pneumothorax.
RESULTS
A total of 67 patients with COVID-19 and pneumothorax were identified. Of these, 40.7% were located in the left lung, 40.7% were in the right lung, and 18.6% were found bilaterally. The most common symptoms in the patient with pneumothorax were dyspnea (65.7%), increased cough severity (53.7%), chest pain (25.4%), and hemoptysis (16.4%). The frequency of pulmonary left and right bullae, pleural effusion, andfungus ball were 22.4%, 22.4%, 22.4%, and 7.5%, respectively. Pneumothorax was managed with chest drain (80.6%), chest drain and surgery (6%), and conservatively (13.4%). The 50-day mortality rate was 52.2% (35 patients). The average survival time for deceased patients was 10.06 (2.17) days.
CONCLUSIONS
Our results demonstrated that those with pleural effusion or pulmonary bullae have a lower survival rate. Further studies are required to investigate the incidence and causality relation between COVID-19 and pneumothorax.
Topics: Humans; Pneumothorax; Blister; COVID-19; Pleural Effusion; Survival Analysis
PubMed: 37403072
DOI: 10.1186/s13019-023-02331-0 -
Cancer Letters Oct 2023Pleural mesothelioma (PM) is characterized by poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. Y-box-binding protein 1 (YB-1) was shown to drive growth and migration of...
Pleural mesothelioma (PM) is characterized by poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. Y-box-binding protein 1 (YB-1) was shown to drive growth and migration of PM cells. Here, we evaluated the effect of genetic and pharmacological targeting of YB-1 on PM growth and response to cisplatin and radiation treatment. YB-1 knockdown via siRNA resulted in reduced PM cell growth, which significantly correlated with wt BAP1 and mutant NF2 and P53 status. Entinostat inhibited YB-1 deacetylation and its efficacy correlated with YB-1 knockdown-induced growth inhibition in 20 PM cell lines. Tumor growth inhibition by siRNA as well as entinostat was confirmed in mouse xenotransplant models. Furthermore, both YBX1-targeting siRNA and entinostat enhanced sensitivity to cisplatin and radiation. In particular, entinostat showed strong synergistic interactions with cisplatin which was linked to significantly increased cellular platinum uptake in all investigated cell models. Importantly, in a mouse model, the combination of cisplatin and entinostat also resulted in stronger growth inhibition than each treatment alone. Our study highlights YB-1 as an attractive target in PM and demonstrates that targeting YB-1 via entinostat is a promising approach to enhance cisplatin and radiation sensitivity.
Topics: Cisplatin; Animals; Humans; Pyridines; Benzamides; Cell Line, Tumor; Y-Box-Binding Protein 1; Pleural Neoplasms; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays; Drug Synergism; Mesothelioma; Mice; Cell Proliferation; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Mice, Nude; Antineoplastic Agents; Acetylation; Female; Tumor Suppressor Proteins; Ubiquitin Thiolesterase
PubMed: 37730104
DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216395 -
BMC Pulmonary Medicine Apr 2024There are currently no data on the relationship between frailty and mortality in pleural disease. Understanding the relationship between frailty and outcomes is... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
BACKGROUND
There are currently no data on the relationship between frailty and mortality in pleural disease. Understanding the relationship between frailty and outcomes is increasingly important for clinicians to guide decisions regarding investigation and management. This study aims to explore the relationship between all-cause mortality and frailty status in patients with pleural disease.
METHODS
In this retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected observational cohort study, outpatients presenting to the pleural service at a tertiary centre in Bristol, UK with a radiologically confirmed, undiagnosed pleural effusion underwent comprehensive assessment and were assigned a final diagnosis at 12 months. The modified frailty index (mFI) was calculated and participants classified as frail (mFI ≥ 0.4) or not frail (mFI ≤ 0.2).
RESULTS
676 participants were included from 3rd March 2008 to 29th December 2020. The median time to mortality was 490 days (IQR 161-1595). A positive association was found between 12-month mortality and frailty (aHR = 1.72, 95% CI 1.02-2.76, p = 0.025) and age ≥ 80 (aHR = 1.80, 95% CI 1.24-2.62, p = 0.002). Subgroup analyses found a stronger association between 12-month mortality and frailty in benign disease (aHR = 4.36, 95% CI 2.17-8.77, p < 0.0001) than in all pleural disease. Malignancy irrespective of frailty status was associated with an increase in all-cause mortality (aHR = 10.40, 95% CI 6.01-18.01, p < 0.0001).
CONCLUSION
This is the first study evaluating the relationship between frailty and outcomes in pleural disease. Our data demonstrates a strong association between frailty and 12-month mortality in this cohort. A malignant diagnosis is an independent predictor of 12-month mortality, irrespective of frailty status. Frailty was also strongly associated with 12-month mortality in patients with a benign underlying cause for their pleural disease. This has clinical relevance for pleural physicians; evaluating patients' frailty status and its impact on mortality can guide clinicians in assessing suitability for invasive investigation and management.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
This study is registered with the Health Research Authority (REC reference 08/H0102/11) and the NIHR Portfolio (Study ID 8960).
Topics: Humans; Frailty; Retrospective Studies; Cohort Studies; Pleural Diseases; Patients; Postoperative Complications; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38627673
DOI: 10.1186/s12890-024-02981-3 -
Respiratory Investigation Nov 2023A patient with sarcoidosis was found to have a massive left pleural effusion. Her chest computed tomography showed small nodules in the lung parenchyma and swelling of...
A patient with sarcoidosis was found to have a massive left pleural effusion. Her chest computed tomography showed small nodules in the lung parenchyma and swelling of the hilar lymph nodes, with normal visceral and parietal pleura. Thoracoscopy showed white nodules on the visceral pleura and normal parietal pleura, which were resected. Epithelioid granulomas were seen in the visceral pleura and lung parenchyma. Surprisingly, in the parietal pleura, abnormal cells that were positive for the leukocyte common antigen, CD20, and CD79a were found, leading to the diagnosis of malignant B-cell lymphoma.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pleura; Pleural Neoplasms; Pleural Effusion; Sarcoidosis; Lymphoma
PubMed: 37708635
DOI: 10.1016/j.resinv.2023.07.010 -
The American Surgeon Dec 2023Pulmonary complications after liver transplantation (LT) have previously been associated with longer hospital stays and ventilator time, and higher mortality. This study...
INTRODUCTION
Pulmonary complications after liver transplantation (LT) have previously been associated with longer hospital stays and ventilator time, and higher mortality. This study reports the outcomes for a specific pulmonary complication, pleural effusion, in LT recipients.
METHODS
Records from a single transplant center were analyzed retrospectively for all adult LT patients. Patients with documented pleural effusion by radiographic imaging within 30 days pre- or post-transplant were considered as cases. Outcomes included length of hospital stay, discharge disposition, hospital readmission, discharge with home oxygen, and 1-year survival.
RESULTS
During the 4-year study period, 512 LTs were performed, with 107 patients (21%) developing a peri-transplant pleural effusion. In total, 49 patients (10%) had a pre-transplant effusion, 91 (18%) had a post-transplant effusion, and 32 (6%) had both. Characteristics associated with the presence of any pleural effusion included an increasing model for end-stage liver disease score, re-transplantation, diagnosis of alcoholic liver disease, low protein levels, and sarcopenia. Effusion patients had longer hospital stays (17 vs 9 days, < .001) and higher likelihood of discharge to a care facility (48% vs 21%, < .001). Ninety-day readmission occurred in 69% of effusion patients (vs 44%, < .001). One-year patient survival with any effusion was 86% (vs 94%, < .01).
CONCLUSIONS
Overall, 21% of recipients developed a clinically significant peri-transplant pleural effusion. Pleural effusion was associated with worse outcomes for all clinical measures. Risk factors for the development of pleural effusion included higher MELD score (>20), re-transplantation, alcoholic liver disease, and poor nutrition status, including poor muscle mass.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Liver Transplantation; End Stage Liver Disease; Retrospective Studies; Severity of Illness Index; Pleural Effusion; Malnutrition; Liver Diseases, Alcoholic
PubMed: 37220891
DOI: 10.1177/00031348221126962 -
Pediatric Cardiology Dec 2023Chylothorax is a consequence of a thoracic duct injury that can occur during surgical procedures in patients with congenital heart disease. It is associated with high...
Chylothorax is a consequence of a thoracic duct injury that can occur during surgical procedures in patients with congenital heart disease. It is associated with high rates of morbimortality and increased use of clinical and hospital resources. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors, distribution, manifestations, complications, and treatments for chylothorax in patients undergoing cardiac surgery in a tertiary pediatric hospital in southern Brazil. This is a retrospective, quantitative study, in which all medical records (n = 166) of patients with chylothorax after pediatric cardiac surgery between January 2014 and December of 2020 and a matched control group (n = 166) were analyzed. Over the study period, there was an increase in incidence of chylothorax from 4.5% in 2014 to 7.6% in 2020, a trend that has been reported in the literature. After multivariate analysis, the following were identified as risk factors for the diagnosis of chylothorax: genetic syndrome (OR 2.298); prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time (greater than 120 min) (OR 2.410); fluid overload in the immediate postoperative period (OR 1.110); and SIRS (OR 2.527). Mortality was two times greater (p = 0.021) and there was a higher rate (34.4%) of infection (p < 0.001) in patients who developed chylothorax. In addition, a sensitivity analysis was performed comparing patients with low- and high-output chylothorax (> 20 mL/kg), which confirmed unfavorable outcomes for the latter group. Herein, we show that hemodynamic alterations were important factors for diagnosis. Understanding the risk factors, outcomes, and complications helps early identification and enables the reduction of morbidity and mortality.
Topics: Child; Humans; Chylothorax; Retrospective Studies; Cardiac Surgical Procedures; Heart Defects, Congenital; Risk Factors; Postoperative Complications
PubMed: 37561171
DOI: 10.1007/s00246-023-03250-6 -
Clinical and Experimental Medicine Dec 2023Pleural effusion (PE) is a common medical concern, often requiring thoracentesis for a definitive diagnosis. An elevated pleural fluid adenosine deaminase (ADA) may...
Pleural effusion (PE) is a common medical concern, often requiring thoracentesis for a definitive diagnosis. An elevated pleural fluid adenosine deaminase (ADA) may indicate tuberculosis, but this is not always the case. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of biomarkers determined in pleural fluid and propose a new diagnostic strategy for PE in patients with high levels of ADA in pleural fluid. This retrospective analysis studied patients with PE who received thoracentesis for the first time with an ADA level of > 33 U/L in the pleural fluid analysis at two tertiary hospitals from March 2019 to March 2023. Demographic and clinical data, as well as pleural fluid biomarkers and their ratios, were studied and compared between different PE groups, and a decision tree was developed. During the study period, 259 patients were enrolled, with four different types of PE: parapneumonic (PPE) 155, tuberculosis (TPE) 41, malignant (MPE) 50, and miscellaneous 13. Biomarkers and their ratios performed well in the differential diagnosis of PE, with the LDH/ADA ratio distinguishing between PPE and non-PPE with sensitivity and specificity of 98.06% and 98.08%, respectively. The combination of LDH/ADA ratio, ADA, and mononuclear cell percentage was identified as important factors for creating a decision tree with an overall accuracy of 89.96%. The pleural fluid LDH/ADA ratio was a useful diagnostic for distinguishing PPE from non-PPE, and a decision tree with an accuracy of 89.96% was created to differentiate the four forms of PE in clinical situations.
Topics: Humans; Adenosine Deaminase; Retrospective Studies; Pleural Effusion; Pleurisy; Tuberculosis; Sensitivity and Specificity; Biomarkers; Diagnosis, Differential
PubMed: 37747590
DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01194-y