CLINICAL PROFILE OF PATIENTS OF PLEURAL EFFUSION IN A TEACHING HOSPITAL LOCATED IN NORTHERN PART OF INDIA

Introduction: Pleural effusion is the excessive buildup of uid between the two pleural layers, often caused by various pathogenic processes. It can be classied as exudative or transudative based on the characteristics of the uid. The causes of pleural effusion are diverse, with congestive cardiac failure, pneumonia, malignancy, and tubercular effusion being common etiologies. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications. This study aimed to identify the clinical characteristics of pleural effusion patients in teaching hospitals in Northern India. Objectives: To study the clinical prole of patients with pleural effusion in a teaching hospital in Northern India. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Medicine at Shri Mahant Indresh Hospital, SGRRIM&HS Dehradun. The study included 100 patients diagnosed with pleural effusion. Detailed history, physical examinations, and diagnostic tests were performed, including chest radiography, pleurocentesis, biochemical, cytological, and microbiological investigations. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS Version 21.0 and Microsoft Excel 2010. Results: The study participants had a mean age of 58.1%, with a slight female predominance (54.0%). Smoking history was reported by 35% of cases, while 13% had a history of tuberculosis (TB) or TB contact. The most common presenting symptoms were cough (78%), weight loss (38%), breathlessness (32%), night sweats (24%), and chest pain (18%). Exudative pleural effusion had signicantly higher levels of pleural uid proteins, LDH, and ADAcompared to transudative effusion (p<0.01). Conclusion: This study provided insights into the clinical prole and etiological causes of pleural effusion in a teaching hospital in Northern India. The study population had diverse symptoms and underlying etiologies, highlighting the importance of thorough investigation and considering tuberculosis in cases with weight loss and night sweats. Acomprehensive cardiac workup is also necessary for cases with vague symptoms