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A New Approach to Pleural Infection: Let It Be?

  • Pleural Diseases and Mesothelioma (H Davies, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Pulmonology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

The incidence of pleural infection is increasing, and there remain many challenges to managing this condition. This review provides a synthesised overview of the current state of knowledge and identifies key areas for future research.

Recent Findings

Recent studies have broadened our understanding of pleural microbiology and the natural history of pleural infection. The development and evolution of intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy have established three separate treatment options in pleural infection. This has led to the development of new management algorithms and re-examined the role of surgery. Similarly, the uptake of bedside thoracic ultrasound has improved assessment and ensured safer and more accurate procedures.

Summary

There have been major advances in our understanding of pleural infection over the last few years. Patients have more treatment options, and modern management algorithms can limit the need for surgical intervention. Outcomes from pleural infection have remained largely unchanged over decades, which suggest that the time for a paradigm shift may be approaching. However, key questions remain unanswered.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Oxford Centre for Respiratory Medicine, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford, UK

    E. O. Bedawi, V. George & N. M. Rahman

  2. Oxford Respiratory Trials Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK

    E. O. Bedawi & N. M. Rahman

  3. NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK

    N. M. Rahman

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  1. E. O. Bedawi
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  2. V. George
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Correspondence to E. O. Bedawi.

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E. O. Bedawi, V. George, N.M. Rahman D Phil declare no conflict of interest.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Pleural Diseases and Mesothelioma

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Bedawi, E.O., George, V. & Rahman, N.M. A New Approach to Pleural Infection: Let It Be?. Curr Pulmonol Rep 8, 112–122 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13665-019-00230-1

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