Abstract :
Aims: Assessment of changes in the pulmonary function test before and within 24 hours of thoracocentesis and correlation between the volume of pleural fluid aspirated and changes in FEV1 and FVC.
Materials and Methods: Prospective study done in 100 pleural effusion of patients presenting to the OPD/IP of the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Sapthagiri Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre for a period of 2 years included in the study. All the subjects were interviewed after taking the informed consent followed by physical examination and chest X-ray. It reported findings in proforma.
Results: Many of the patients belonged to the 40-50 year age group. The mean age was 44.9 years with male preponderance in distribution of cases with 81% being males and 19% females. In the present study there were 10 smokers all were males. Maximum number of patients (50%) had of mild pleural effusion, 21% patients had massive pleural effusion. After thoracocentesis, there was a substantial, improvement in the pulmonary function test FVC,FEV1 and VC though FEV1/FVC showed no significant change. There was a clear link between the volume of aspirated fluid and the measures of pulmonary function. After removal of
pleural fluid by thoracocentesis. There was significant relief of dyspnoea these allowing patients to return their routine activities.
Conclusion: Thoracocentesis in patients with pleural effusion is recommended for improving lung function and for symptomatic relief.
Keyword :
Pleural effusion, Thoracocentesis, Pulmonary function tests.