What is another name for pleural effusion in relation to a chest drain (Chest Drain) and Intrapleural (IP) drainage for Pleural Effusion?

From the Guidelines

Pleural effusion is also known as hydrothorax, which is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This condition often necessitates chest drain placement for therapeutic management. When a chest drain (also called a chest tube or thoracostomy tube) is inserted, it helps remove the excess fluid, blood, air, or pus from the pleural space, allowing the lung to re-expand and function properly. The procedure for chest drain insertion involves creating a small incision in the chest wall, typically at the 4th or 5th intercostal space in the mid-axillary line for fluid drainage.

Key Points to Consider

• Pleural effusions can result from various conditions including heart failure, pneumonia, malignancy, or trauma 1.
• The underlying pathophysiology involves an imbalance between fluid production and absorption in the pleural space, leading to fluid accumulation that can compromise respiratory function by preventing full lung expansion.
• Proper management requires not only drain placement but also treatment of the underlying cause, with consideration of the high symptom burden and significant morbidity and mortality associated with non-malignant pleural effusions (NMPEs) 1.
• The term "benign" pleural effusion is considered a misnomer due to the high 1-year mortality rates in heart, renal, and liver failure 1.
• Recent studies suggest that pleural interventions, such as ultrasound-guided thoracocentesis and chest tube drainage, are feasible and low-risk procedures that can relieve symptoms in patients with heart failure-related pleural effusions 1.
• The use of indwelling pleural catheters (IPCs) for recurrent pleural effusions secondary to heart failure has been shown to provide symptomatic palliation, reduced hospital admissions, and a low to moderate rate of serious adverse events 1.

From the Research

Pleural Effusion

• Pleural effusion is an excessive accumulation of fluid in the pleural space 2, 3, 4, 5
• It can be caused by various disorders, including lung or pleura disorders, or systemic disorders 2
• The etiology of pleural effusion remains unclear in nearly 20% of cases 2

Diagnosis and Management

• Thoracocentesis should be performed for new and unexplained pleural effusions 2
• Laboratory testing helps to distinguish pleural fluid transudate from an exudate 2
• Management of pleural effusion depends on the underlying etiology of the effusion 2, 3, 4, 5
• Treatment options include pleurodesis, thoracoscopy, video-assisted thoracoscopy, and placement of a permanently indwelling pleural catheter 4

Other Names

• No specific other name for pleural effusion is mentioned in the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
• However, it is sometimes referred to as an accumulation of fluid in the pleural space 2, 3, 4, 5

Effects on Respiratory Function

• Pleural effusion can have important effects on respiratory system function, including a restrictive ventilatory effect and reduced efficiency of the inspiratory muscles 6
• The drainage of pleural fluid can result in an increase in lung volume, but hypoxemia may not be readily reversible upon fluid aspiration 6