Pleural effusions identified by thoracic ultrasound predict poor quality of life in patients with acute decompensated heart failure

Introduction

Pleural effusion (PE) is a common manifestation of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF); however, its influence on the quality of life (QoL) is unknown.

Objectives

To identify whether PE detected using thoracic ultrasound (TUS) is associated with poorer QoL in patients with ADHF and a reduced ejection fraction (≤40 %).

Methods

We conducted a prospective, longitudinal, descriptive, observational, single-center study at a university hospital in Mexico. We included participants with a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction who were admitted for ADHF. We performed TUS and the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) within the first 48 h of hospitalization.

Results

Forty patients with ADHF (30 males and 10 females; mean age, 51.24 ± 16.942 years) were included in this study. The participants were categorized into two groups: those with (n = 25, 62.5 %) or without (n = 15, 37.5 %) PE on TUS. We found a statistically significant association between the presence of PEs and a worse perception of QoL. The mean MLHFQ score in the group of patients with PEs was 40 points, compared to 12 points in the group without PEs (p < 0.001). Poorer QoL was associated with a higher quantity of pleural fluid, as evidenced by the greater number of intercostal spaces occupied by the PE (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Patients with ADHF and a reduced ejection fraction who present with PE have a worse perception of QoL than patients without PE.