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Pleural effusions in hospitalized patients with AIDS
J Joseph1, C Strange, S A Sahn
1Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29425.
Annals of Internal Medicine
|June 1, 1993
Summary
Pleural effusions are common in hospitalized patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), affecting 27%. Bacterial pneumonia is the leading cause, though non-infectious reasons like hypoalbuminemia also occur.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Hospitalized patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) are susceptible to various complications.
- Pleural effusions represent a significant clinical manifestation in this population, impacting morbidity and mortality.
- Understanding the etiology and characteristics of pleural effusions in AIDS is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and etiological spectrum of pleural effusions in hospitalized patients diagnosed with AIDS.
- To characterize the clinical features associated with pleural effusions in this patient group.
- To identify risk factors and common causes contributing to pleural effusions in AIDS.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study design was employed.
- Data were collected from 222 patients hospitalized with AIDS between January 1986 and January 1992.
- Patient records were analyzed to determine the presence, causes, and characteristics of pleural effusions.
Main Results:
- The overall incidence of pleural effusions was 27% (59 out of 222 patients).
- Infectious causes accounted for 66% of effusions, with bacterial pneumonia being the most frequent (31%).
- Non-infectious causes, primarily hypoalbuminemia (19%), were also observed. Lower serum albumin and CD4 counts were associated with effusions.
Conclusions:
- Pleural effusions are a frequent complication in hospitalized patients with AIDS.
- Bacterial pneumonia is the predominant cause of pleural effusions in this cohort.
- Large effusions are linked to Kaposi sarcoma and tuberculosis, while hypoalbuminemia is a key non-infectious etiology.
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