Longitudinal Follow up of Patients With Pleural Effusion

Longitudinal Follow up of Patients With Pleural Effusion in South Korea

This study aims to evaluate the clinical course of patients diagnosed with pleural effusion and determine various clinical factors and biomarkers associated that can predict the diagnosis and clinical outcome and prognosis of patients with pleural effusion due to specific causes.

Patients who presented to Seoul National University Bundang Hospital with pleural effusion would be recruited. Pleural fluid and blood samples would be collected. All patients will receive routine diagnostic procedures and medical care and treatments according to the diagnosis; the original cancer if diagnosed with malignant effusion, and managements for pleural effusion control. Patients would be observed for the clinical course and prognosis up to 3 years without any interventions caused by this study.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients presented with pleural effusion
• Patients who undergo thoracentesis and fluid analysis for diagnosis and management

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who refuse to be enrolled