RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Sonographic septation: a useful diagnostic predictor of complicated parapneumonic effusion
JF Journal of Investigative Medicine
JO J Investig Med
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP 1447
OP 1452
DO 10.1136/jim-2020-001770
VO 69
IS 8
A1 Shan-Yueh Chang
A1 Ying-Chieh Chen
A1 Chen-Liang Tsai
A1 Shih-Wei Wu
A1 Chung-Kan Peng
A1 Chih-Hao Shen
A1 Yu-Ching Chou
A1 Chih-Feng Chian
YR 2021
UL http://hw-f5-jim.highwire.org/content/69/8/1447.abstract
AB Sonographic septation is associated with prolonged hospitalization and increased mortality in patients diagnosed with empyema. However, it is unknown whether sonographic septation is associated with complicated parapneumonic effusion (CPPE) or the need for invasive procedures among patients with pneumonia. In this retrospective study, we included 180 patients with non-purulent neutrophilic exudative pleural effusion secondary to pulmonary infections such as pneumonia and lung abscess. We performed univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, including baseline clinical characteristics, values from blood samples, and sonographic echogenicity, to identify variables correlated with CPPE and the need for invasive procedures. Seventy of the 180 included patients (38.89%) displayed sonographic septation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified that sonographic septation (adjusted OR (AOR)=3.38 (95% CI 1.64 to 6.98), p=0.001) and younger age (AOR=2.63 (95% CI 1.24 to 5.58), p=0.012) were independently associated with CPPE. With regard to treatment strategy, sonographic septation (AOR 9.06 (95% CI 3.71 to 22.11), p<0.001) and total serum protein level (AOR=1.80 (95% CI 1.13 to 2.86), p=0.013) were independently associated with the need for subsequent invasive procedures in patients with CPPE using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Sonographic septation is a useful predictor of CPPE and may imply the need for early invasive procedures.All data relevant to the study are included in the article or uploaded as supplementary information.