Abstract:
Objective: To develop a practical method of estimating the volume of pleural effusions with ultrasonography in ICU setting at a tertiary care hospital. Methodology: A clinical audit study was conducted at the Department of Radiology, Jinnah Burn & Reconstructive Surgery Center, Lahore, from December 2018 to August 2019. Scans of 21 patients who underwent ultrasonography for quantification of pleural effusions in the ICU in December 2018 were studied retrospectively to assess the parameters being followed in the first audit. Results: In the first audit, it was ascertained that the pleural effusion was being quantified into mild, moderate and severe based on subjective values. The method of quantification used was the same for supine and erect patients. The separation between two pleura was measures in mm and aspirated effusion in ml. A positive correlation was noted between these two measurements. The reaudit performed 6 months later showed improvement with 100% compliance to standards. Conclusion: The first audit revealed that the qualitative method was being used solely. In qualitative analysis the effusion was classified according to the length of the transducer. It was termed minimal if it only covered the costophrenic angle; mild if it was limited in one transducer length, moderate if it involved two transducer length and massive in case it was larger than the two lengths. However, the exact amount of effusion cannot be ascertained by this method. Hence, the quantitative method was employed which gives an accurate estimation of the effusion.
Page(s):
191-194
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: Annals of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Volume: 15, Issue: 4, Year: 2019