Butani L, Polinsky M, Kaiser B, Baluarte HJ
Pleural effusion complicating acute peritoneal dialysis in hemolytic uremic syndrome
NKF 6th Spring Clinical Meeting (Dallas)
Am J Kidney Dis (Apr) 29:A6 1997

This abstract reports an interesting observation with respect to the occurrence of acute pleural effusion in children treated with peritoneal dialysis for acute renal failure. Over a four year period, this group treated 176 children with ARF with peritoneal dialysis (PD). Pleural effusion within the first 3 days of starting PD was noted in 5 cases; 3 were symptomatic while 2 were noted incidentally by CXR. In 2 cases the PD prescription was changed, allowing continuation of the treatment, while in the other 3 cases PD was discontinued.

Of interest is the observation that all 5 cases of pleural effusion occurred in patients with hemolytic uremic syndrome (out of a total of 34 cases of HUS in the series); in no cases did pleural effusion occur in ARF from any other etiology. The authors do not provide information as to the composition of the pleural fluid (transudate vs exudate, etc.).

Comment: This is a fascinating and as yet unexplained observation. Further studies will be needed to determine whether this is a mechanical problem or otherwise related to the pathology of HUS. (C. Jeff Kaupke, M.D., University of California at Irvine)

The abstract is available from the AJKD site, either in low resolution .gif format, or in .pdf format (you need to download Acrobat reader to read .pdf files).

To go back use the BACK button on your browser.
Otherwise click on the desired link to this article below:
NKF 6th Spring Clinical Meeting (Dallas)
CRF by organ system : Lungs
Basic hemodialysis : (Intermittent) dialysis for ARF