Impact of Respiratory Physiotherapy in the Management of Infectious Pleural Effusion

Impact of Respiratory Physiotherapy in the Management of Infectious Pleural Effusion

Chest physiotherapy (CP) facilitates the absorption of fluid in the pleural cavity and reduces the formation of fibrous adhesions in patients with pleural infection, allowing a faster clinical, functional and radiological improve. The aim of the study is to determine if the CP associated with conventional medical treatment (CT) improves functional sequelae secondary to pleural infectious.

This is a multicenter, prospective and randomized trial. Objective: To determine if the Chest physiotherapy (CP) associated with conventional medical treatment (CT) improves functional sequelae secondary to pleural infectious disease, defined as an increased of 15% in Vital Functional Capacity (VFC). Adult patients with diagnosis of pleural infection will be included and randomized into two branches: control group - only CT and interventional one - CT plus CP.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of infectious pleural effusion
• Failure to meet any exclusion criteria.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Hemothorax.
• Malignant pleural effusion.
• Severe comorbidities (end-stage disease, neuromuscular diseases, etc)
• Previous ribcage and/or diaphragmatic pathology.
• Pregnancy.
• Previous respiratory rehabilitation program completed.
• Prior pleural pathology