Abstract
Diagnosis of pleural effusion is difficult in children. The etiologies are numerous; however, infectious agents are more frequent. Thoracocentesis proves to be the first-line diagnostic tool. Light's criteria are the best for distinguishing whether the effusion is a transudate or an exudate. If the patient has an exudative pleural effusion, other tests are indicated to determine the etiology and in some cases the treatment: macroscopic appearance, cytology and differential white cell count (level of glucose, lactate dehydrogenase, adenosine deaminase, pH, bacterial cultures). Others investigations--biopsy of pleura by thoracoscopy or video-assisted thoracoscopy, bronchofibroscopy, CT scan--are sometimes useful. Intrapleural instillation of urokinase appears to be useful and safe. Evaluation is necessary for video-assisted thoracoscopy used early.
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