Critical care : the official journal of the Critical Care Forum
-
Review Meta Analysis
Utility and safety of draining pleural effusions in mechanically ventilated patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Pleural effusions are frequently drained in mechanically ventilated patients but the benefits and risks of this procedure are not well established. ⋯ Drainage of pleural effusions in mechanically ventilated patients appears to improve oxygenation and is safe. We found no data to either support or refute claims of beneficial effects on clinically important outcomes such as duration of ventilation or length of stay.