Evaluation and outcomes of pediatric pleural effusions in over 10 years in Northwest, Iran

Abstract Background: Pleural effusion is the accumulation of excess fluid in the pleural cavity. Most information available about pleural effusion is obtained from studies on adults and little evidence is available in children. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the existing status and explain the disease process, signs, treatment, and prognosis. Children with pleural effusion who were admitted to children’s university hospital during the last ten years were studied in this research. Methodology: In this descriptive research, children with pleural effusion who were admitted and undergone thoracocentesis in the children’s university hospital during the last ten years were studied. The data obtained from in vitro experiments and the information questionnaire was analyzed using SPSS-18 through descriptive statistics of frequency, percent, and mean. Findings: Ninety-four children with pleural effusion were admitted during 10 years. Pleural effusion was exudate in 56.38% and transudate in 43.61% of children. The most common symptoms were tachypnea, fever, and cough. Antibiotic administration was the most performed therapeutic action. Conclusion: The mode of addressing pleural effusion in this research was similar to other studies. Considering the results, better planning can be performed regarding preventing this disease or improving its prognosis.