Impact of Draining Significant Effusion on Gas Exchange and Lung Mechanics in Patient Under Mechanical Ventilation

Patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF) who were receiving mechanical ventilator support, had significant pleural effusion (both transudates and exudates) and drainage plan were evaluated. Decision to drain, timing and duration of drainage were made by primary physician according to the intensive care unit (ICU) protocols.The estimated amount of effusion (mL) was calculated as the maximum pleura-lung distance (mm) x 20 and significant effusion is accepted as ≥ 800 mL according to thoracic ultrasonography (USG) performed by the intensivist. The amount of effusion drained, mechanical ventilator parameters, arterial blood gas results and hemodynamic data were recorded before, at the 1st hour and at the end of drainage up to 30 days after drainage.