Predictors of septation in malignant pleural effusions: a retrospective cohort study

Abstract

Background Malignant pleural effusions (MPEs) are often managed with indwelling pleural catheter (IPC) insertion, however drainage can be limited by internal septations. Predictors of septated MPE remain uncertain. We aimed to determine the predictors of septated MPE. Methods Demographic and clinical characteristics were collected for 437 adult patients and 515 IPCs inserted at a Canadian pleural effusion clinic from 2012 to 2018. We utilized logistic regression analysis to identify independent predictors for development of septated pleural effusion. Results Systemic therapy (OR 1.78, p = 0.011) and moderate to large effusion size (OR 2.44, p = 0.004) were predictors of septated MPE among our studied cohort. The most common IPC-related complications were superficial skin/soft tissue infection (4%) followed by pleural infection (3%). No IPC-related deaths were observed in our study. Conclusions Systemic therapy and moderate to large pleural effusions may be independent risk factors for the development of septated MPE.