[Pneumonia and pleural effusion. Therapeutic management]

The pleural effusion with pneumonia is a common complication. Early diagnosis and adequate handling are required, being based fundamentally on the characteristics of pleural liquid. Antibiotic therapy and pleural drainage are, in most cases, the main basis for very best outcome. Un specific circumstances administration of intrapleural fibrinolysis is increased, giving up surgery for those difficult cases which are not resolved with the previous treatment. The clinical case and the therapeutical different choices are revised, and finally a guideline that helps to the best management of parapneumonic effusion, is suggested.