From the Research
The volume of pleural fluid in milliliters (mL) per intercostal space is not directly specified in Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, but a study published in Intensive Care Medicine in 2006 1 provides a formula to estimate the volume of pleural fluid based on the maximal distance between parietal and visceral pleura, which can be approximately 20 mL per millimeter of separation. According to the study, the formula to estimate the volume of pleural fluid is V (ml) = 20 x Sep (mm), where Sep is the maximal distance between parietal and visceral pleura in millimeters. This study found a significant positive correlation between the maximal distance and the volume of pleural fluid, with a mean prediction error of 158.4 +/- 160.6 mL. The other studies provided do not directly address the question of the volume of pleural fluid per intercostal space. For example, the study published in the Journal of Bronchology & Interventional Pulmonology in 2020 2 discusses a technique for fluid infusion through a chest tube to facilitate pleural procedures, but does not provide information on the volume of pleural fluid per intercostal space. Similarly, the study published in Surgery Today in 2008 3 describes a method for draining pleural effusion using a Foley catheter, but does not address the question of volume per intercostal space. In terms of the page number in Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, the information is not provided in the question or the evidence. However, based on the study published in Intensive Care Medicine in 2006 1, the estimated volume of pleural fluid per intercostal space can be approximately 20 mL per millimeter of separation, which can be used as a guideline for clinicians to estimate the volume of pleural fluid in patients. Some key points to consider when estimating the volume of pleural fluid include:
- The maximal distance between parietal and visceral pleura, which can be measured using ultrasonography
- The formula V (ml) = 20 x Sep (mm), which can be used to estimate the volume of pleural fluid
- The mean prediction error of 158.4 +/- 160.6 mL, which indicates the potential variability in the estimated volume of pleural fluid
- The importance of monitoring patient symptoms and developing excessive negative pleural pressure, which can indicate complications during thoracentesis.