In patients with unilateral pleural effusion, restricted lung inflation is the principal predictor of increased dyspnoea.

ABSTRACT:

Background and objective

The mechanism of dyspnoea associated with pleural effusion is uncertain. A cohort of patients requiring thoracoscopy for unilateral exudative effusion were investigated for associations between dyspnoea and suggested predictors: impaired ipsilateral diaphragm movement, effusion volume and restricted lung inflation.

Methods

Baseline Dyspnoea Index, respiratory function, and ultrasound assessment of ipsilateral diaphragm movement were assessed prior to thoracoscopy, when effusion volume was measured. Transitional Dyspnoea Index (change from baseline) was assessed 4 and 8 weeks after thoracoscopy. Pearson product moment assessed bivariate correlations and a general linear model examined how well total lung capacity (measuring restricted lung inflation),

SUBMITTER: Garske LA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6169850 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature