Study on Etiology and Clinical profile of Pleural Effusion

Abstract

Background:The etiological classification of pleural effusions in different series depends on the geographical area, the age of the patient and the progress of the diagnostic and therapeutic methods of the cause. The purpose of this study was to evaluate etiology characteristics and clinical manifestations of pleural effusion. Material and Methods:The present observation-cross sectional hospital based study was conducted in the Department of General Medicine, ARMCH&RC, Kumbhari during two year of study.  All patients were interviewed for a detailed background and were thoroughly examined in accordance with a pre-determined protocol. Result: In the present study,  Pleural effusion was commonly seen in male (73%). The incidence of pleural  effusion  was  maximum  in  the  age group 41-50 years (39%). Most common  cause  pleural  effusion was tuberculosis (59%), followed by malignancy (25%), pyogenic (6%), and transudative effusion ie. cardiac failure (10%). Conclusion: Every case of pleural effusion should be meticulously investigated in order to arrive a diagnosis and to proceed for specific therapy/treatment may be started earliest.