Pleural effusions as markers of mortality and disease severity: a state-of-the-art review

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Oncology
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Pleural effusions are common clinical findings with diverse causes.
• Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is linked to high mortality.
• Emerging data suggest benign pleural effusions also carry a poor prognosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current literature on mortality and prognostication in patients with pleural effusions.
• To highlight factors influencing survival in MPE and benign effusions.
• To discuss the role of prognostic models in managing pleural effusions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies on pleural effusion mortality.
• Analysis of factors affecting survival in malignant and benign pleural effusions.
• Evaluation of prognostic models for pleural effusion management.

Main Results:

• Survival in MPE depends on tumor type, performance status, and inflammatory markers.
• Prognostic models exist for MPE and pleural infections to guide care.
• Benign pleural effusions may warrant more aggressive treatment than simple drainage.

Conclusions:

• Both benign and malignant pleural effusions are associated with significant mortality.
• Prognostic models and treatment modality studies are crucial for managing complex pleural effusion cases.