The Effect of Pleural Drainage on Pulmonary Function Testing in Patients With Tuberculous Pleural Effusions

Abstract

Background:Pleural fibrosis and restriction are well-known complications of tuberculous pleurisy, which is often accompanied by respiratory distress and limitation of daily life activities.Objectives:Current evidence suggests that pleural drainage offers little benefit over and above antituberculous treatment in improving pulmonary function. Our study aims to define the role of additional pleural drainage in the management of tuberculous pleural effusions.Methods:We enrolled 21 patients with tuberculous effusions and performed therapeutic drainage in 10 randomly selected cases. Pulmonary function testing, exercise capacity, chest radiography, and ultrasonography were performed at baseline, 7 to 10 days, and at 3 months.Results:Complete therapeutic drainage was achieved in 4 of 10 patients randomized to undergo drainage. Immediate benefit in total lung capacity (TLC) was achieved in the 10 patients assigned to intervention. Intervention group showed significant changes compared to the non-intervention group in several functional parameters at 3 months: change in forced vital capacity (?FVC 1.40 L, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08-1.71 vs ?0.34 L, 95% CI 0.01-0.67, P