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Postpartum pleural effusion
U L Udeshi1, J M McHugo, J S Crawford
1Birmingham Maternity Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Medical Centre, Edgbaston.
British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
|September 1, 1988
Summary
Postpartum pleural effusions are not common in healthy women. A prospective ultrasound study found only one case among 50 women, suggesting previous reports may be inaccurate.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Radiology and Imaging
Background:
- Previous reports suggest a high incidence of asymptomatic pleural effusions in the early postpartum period.
- The clinical significance of these reported effusions remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the actual frequency of asymptomatic pleural effusions in women immediately postpartum.
- To determine if previously reported high frequencies are substantiated by current imaging techniques.
Main Methods:
- A prospective observational study was conducted.
- Fifty women were scanned using real-time sector ultrasound within 1-45 hours after delivery.
- The pleural space was specifically examined for fluid accumulation.
Main Results:
- Only one woman among the 50 participants presented with a pleural effusion.
- This individual had severe pre-eclampsia and clinical signs of pulmonary edema.
- The vast majority of healthy postpartum women showed no evidence of pleural fluid.
Conclusions:
- The findings do not support the previously suggested high frequency of asymptomatic pleural effusions in healthy postpartum women.
- Ultrasound imaging in the early postpartum period reveals a low incidence of pleural fluid in uncomplicated cases.