Pleural effusion in HF patients indicates poor QoL and worse outcomes: Study

Written By :  Dr Riya Dave
Medically Reviewed By :  Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli
Published On 2024-11-12 16:00 GMT   |   Update On 2024-11-12 16:01 GMT

Initial Chest X-Ray

Dr Dan Li et al, Modern day management of a unilateral pleural effusion, Clinical Medicine Journal

Advertisement

Researchers have established that pleural effusion (PE), which is a common complication of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF), severely impacts the quality of life (QOL) in patients. Fluid accumulation in the lungs is often observed among ADHF patients, also known as pleural effusion. A recently published study was conducted at a university hospital in Mexico, investigating the relationship between PE diagnosed by thoracic ultrasound and the QOL of patients with a reduced ejection fraction. The study was conducted by Rendon-Ramirez and colleagues and was published in the journal Heart & Lung.

Advertisement

This was a prospective, longitudinal study with patients admitted for ADHF and low ejection fraction. The diagnosis of PE was assessed with TUS within 48 hours after admission. QoL of the patients was measured according to the MLHFQ. The patients were of an average age of 51.24 years (±16.942 years), and 30 males and 10 females participated. The participants were divided into two groups based on the presence of PE: those with PE (n=25, 62.5%) and those without (n=15, 37.5%).

  • The study found that the presence of PE was associated with much lower scores on QoL. The patients with PE had an MLHFQ score of around 40, significantly more than the average score of 12 patients who were without PE, meaning the severity of QoL was reduced greatly (p < 0.001).

  • Volume pleural fluid had correlation with lower QoL scores. Patients who have larger PEs as diagnosed by having more intercostal spaces, the QoL of patients was poorer (p < 0.001).

The presence of pleural effusion in patients with acute decompensated heart failure and a reduced ejection fraction is highly associated with a reduced quality of life. This study supports the potential benefits of early identification and management of PE as part of a comprehensive heart failure care plan. By addressing this condition, healthcare providers could help alleviate some of the QoL burdens on heart failure patients.

Reference:

Rendón-Ramírez, E. J., Fraga-Enríquez, V. M., Colunga-Pedraza, P. R., Nañez-Terreros, H., Flores-Ramírez, R., Canseco, F., Porcel, J. M., & Carrizales-Sepúlveda, E. F. (2024). Pleural effusions identified by thoracic ultrasound predict poor quality of life in patients with acute decompensated heart failure. Heart & Lung: The Journal of Critical Care, 68, 279–283. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrtlng.2024.08.008
Tags:    
Article Source : Heart & Lung

Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.

NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.

Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Similar News