Pleural effusion Flashcards
1
Q
Differntiating between exudate and transudate?
A
- Effusion protein < 25g/L = transudate
- Effusion protein >35g/L = exudate
- Between 25-35g/L: apply Light’s Criteria
2
Q
Light’s criteria
A
An exudate has one of:
- Effusion : serum protein ratio >0.5
- Effusion : serum LDH ratio >0.6
- Effusion LDH is 0.6 x ULN
3
Q
Cause of exudate?
A
↑ capillary permeability
4
Q
Cause of transudate?
A
↑ capillary hydrostatic or ↓ oncotic pressure
5
Q
3 conditions leading to transudate formation?
A
CCF
Renal failure
Reduced Albumin (eg due to liver failure)
6
Q
Signs of pleural effusion?
A
- Tracheal deviation away from effusion
- ↓ expansion
- Stony dull percussion
- ↓ air entry
- Bronchial breathing just above effusion
7
Q
Pleural tap method?
A
- Percuss upper boarder and go 1-2 spaces below
- Infiltrate down to pleura ̄c lignocaine.
- Aspirate ̄c 21G needle
8
Q
Mx of pleural effusion?
A
- Rx underlying cause
- May use drainage if symptomatic (≤2L/24h)
