PLEURAL EFFUSIONS IN PATIENTS HAVING HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV) INFECTION/ AIDS

Abstract

Background: Pleural effusions are common in patients with HIV infection, however; there is paucity of data on type and description of pleural effusions in HIV infected patients from countries like India where the disease is highly rampant.

Objectives/aims: Present study describes the clinical, radiological, pathological and bacteriological profile of pleural effusionsin HIV infected patients.

Methods: Patients with HIV infection having pleural effusion were subjected to detailed clinical evaluation followed by in depth diagnostic workup including radiological assessment, sputum examination, pleurocentesis, pleural fluid biochemistry, cytology, smear and/or culture for bacteria, mycobacteria, fungi, pleural biopsy, tuberculin skin testing etc.

Results: Pleural effusion was seen in 32 (22.6%) cases out of 150 patients with HIV infection.. All pleural effusions were exudates in nature. In 20(58.8%) cases, underlying pulmonary parenchymal disease was evident. Pleural effusion was more common on left side (47%). Tuberculosis was the underlying cause of pleural effusion in 28(82.3%) cases. Four (11.7%) cases had empyema thoracis.

Conclusion: Tuberculosis is the most common cause of pleural effusion in patients having HIV infection followed by bacterial pneumonia from this varies part of country.

Key words: HIV infection, pleural effusion