Effect of Ultrasound-Guided Thoracocentesis on Clinical and Physiological Outcomes in Mechanically Ventilated Patients

Abstract

Background: Pleural effusions are common in critically ill patients, causes are multifactorial. Mechanical ventilation and critical illness lead to disturbance of the normal physiological processes which regulate pleural fluid homeostasis. Ultrasound can detect small volume of pleural effusion up to 20 mL.