Journal of AIDS & Clinical Research

Pleural Effusion: Aetiology, Clinical Presentation and Mortality Outcome in a Tertiary Health Institution in Eastern Nigeria - A Five Year Retrospective Study

Abstract

Mbata Godwin C, Ajuonuma Benneth C, Ofondu Eugenia O, Okeke Ernest C, Chukwuonye Innocent I and Aguwa Emmanuel N

Aim: This retrospective notes review determined the aetiology, clinical presentation and mortality in patients with pleural effusion over a 5-year period. Method: A retrospective audit of patients' folders from January 2008-December 2012. Data collected included demographics, clinical presentation, and laboratory and mortality outcome. Results: Of 199 folders reviewed, 108 were males. Male:female ratio was 1.18:1. Major symptoms were cough 156(78.4%), chest pain 142(71.4%) and dyspnoea 130(65.3%). Major signs included pyrexia 120(60.3%), ascites 48(24.1%) and hypotension 42(21.1%). The more common aetiology were TB 84(42.2%), parapneumonic 28(14.07%) and cardiac failure 28(14.07%). Forty-six (37.1%) of 120 patients screened were HIV positive. Mortality was 33(16.6%). Conclusion: Pleural effusion is a common presentation in our clinical practice. Bacterial infection particularly TB is the most common cause. The mortality rate in patients with pleural effusion is still high. Determining the aetiology and early intervention are needed to reduce the mortality in patients with pleural effusion.