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Review
. 2021 Oct:187:106553.
doi: 10.1016/j.rmed.2021.106553. Epub 2021 Jul 28.

Evaluation and management of pleural sepsis

Justin K Lui  1 , Ehab Billatos  2 , Frank Schembri  3
Affiliations
Review

Evaluation and management of pleural sepsis

Justin K Lui et al. Respir Med. 2021 Oct.

Abstract

Pleural sepsis stems from an infection within the pleural space typically from an underlying bacterial pneumonia leading to development of a parapneumonic effusion. This effusion is traditionally divided into uncomplicated, complicated, and empyema. Poor clinical outcomes and increased mortality can be associated with the development of parapneumonic effusions, reinforcing the importance of early recognition and diagnosis. Management necessitates a multimodal therapeutic strategy consisting of antimicrobials, catheter/tube thoracostomy, and at times, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.

Keywords: Empyema; Pleural disease; Pleural effusions; Sepsis; Sepsis syndrome.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations of interest: None.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Flowchart of the Diagnostic and Management Approach with Pleural Sepsis.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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