Abstract
Large malignant pleural effusions (MPE) are common and can cause respiratory distress. Large-volume thoracentesis (LVT) is the most readily available initial procedure, but its efficacy for large MPE with acute respiratory symptoms is unknown.
Highlights
Large malignant pleural effusions (MPE) are common and can cause respiratory distress
We reviewed patients with large MPEs who were admitted with acute respiratory symptoms to determine the long-term efficacy of an initial Large-volume thoracentesis (LVT)
Definitive pleural procedures were performed in 46.7% of MPEs, and the median time to such intervention was 13 (IQR 6-35) days
Summary
Large malignant pleural effusions (MPE) are common and can cause respiratory distress. Large-volume thoracentesis (LVT) is the most readily available initial procedure, but its efficacy for large MPE with acute respiratory symptoms is unknown. Management of malignant pleural effusions (MPEs) is a common challenge to acute care providers in various settings [1]. MPEs often recur, requiring frequent thoracentesis-prompting providers to consider more definitive and invasive pleural interventions [4,5,6]. MPE volume and symptoms vary, with some progressing to acute respiratory distress or failure. In such cases, providers must urgently select appropriate initial pleural interventions to palliate symptoms, while simultaneously considering optimal long-term drainage.
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