Improvements in the 6-min walk test and spirometry following thoracentesis for symptomatic pleural effusions.

BACKGROUND

Impairment in pulmonary capacity due to pleural effusion compromises daily activity. Removal of fluid improves symptoms, but the impact, especially on exercise capacity, has not been determined.

METHODS

Twenty-five patients with unilateral pleural effusion documented by chest radiograph were included. The 6-min walk test, Borg modified dyspnea score, FVC, and FEV(1) were analyzed before and 48 h after the removal of large pleural effusions.

RESULTS

The mean fluid removed was 1,564 ± 695 mL. After the procedure, values of FVC, FEV(1), and 6-min walk distance increased (P < .001), whereas dyspnea decreased (P < .001). Statistical correlations (P < .001) between 6-min walk distance and FVC (r = 0.725) and between 6-min walk distance and FEV(1) (r = 0.661) were observed. Correlations also were observed between the deltas (prethoracentesis × postthoracentesis) of the 6-min walk test and the percentage of FVC (r = 0.450) and of FEV(1) (r = 0.472) divided by the volume of fluid removed (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

In addition to the improvement in lung function after thoracentesis, the benefits of fluid removal are more evident in situations of exertion, allowing better readaptation of patients to routine activities.