Related Experiment Videos

Frequency of pleural effusion in acute bronchiolitis and its effect on prognosis

Ayse E Yilmaz1, Aslı Koktener, Nurullah Celik

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Fatih University, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey. aysesra@yahoo.com.

Multidisciplinary Respiratory Medicine
|September 11, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Pleural effusion is common in infants with acute bronchiolitis, especially those with risk factors. However, this condition does not appear to impact the overall prognosis for these young patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Respiratory Illnesses

Background:

  • Acute bronchiolitis is a common respiratory infection in infants.
  • Pleural effusion is a potential complication that requires further investigation.
  • Understanding the frequency and impact of pleural effusion is crucial for clinical management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence of pleural effusion in infants diagnosed with acute bronchiolitis.
  • To evaluate the association between pleural effusion and various risk factors in acute bronchiolitis.
  • To assess the effect of pleural effusion on the prognosis of acute bronchiolitis in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 69 infants (1-24 months) with acute bronchiolitis was studied.
  • Data collected included patient demographics, clinical symptoms, and predisposing factors.
  • Thorax ultrasonography was performed to diagnose pleural effusion, with evaluations on day 3 and day 7 of treatment.

Main Results:

  • Nearly half (49.2%) of the infants with acute bronchiolitis presented with pleural effusion.
  • Pleural effusion was significantly more frequent in infants with identified risk factors.
  • No correlation was found between the presence of pleural effusion and symptom duration or severity.

Conclusions:

  • Pleural effusion is a frequent finding in infants with acute bronchiolitis.
  • The presence of pleural effusion in acute bronchiolitis does not adversely affect the patient's prognosis.
  • Identifying risk factors may help predict the likelihood of pleural effusion in these cases.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management01:28

Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management

Pleural Effusion Overview
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
Pleural Effusion I: Introduction01:25

Pleural Effusion I: Introduction

Pleural effusion is an abnormal fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity, a narrow space between the lungs and the chest wall. It is not a disease per se but rather a symptom or indication of an underlying disease. In normal circumstances, this space contains a small amount of fluid (5 to 15 mL), a lubricant facilitating the non-frictional movement of the pleural surfaces.
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's criteria,...
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment01:30

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment

Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features01:24

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features

Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...