Can indwelling pleural catheters provide additional benefits in elderly heart failure patients with pleural effusion? A real-world retrospective multicenter analysis

Background: Pleural effusion (PE) is a common presentation in patients with congestive heart failure. Evidence on the necessity of therapeutic pleural drainage (PD) remains conflicting, highlighting a gap in optimal care for patients. This study aimed to compare standard diuretic therapy (SDT) within guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) versus PD in elderly acute heart failure (AHF) patients with moderate PE. Methods and results: = 0.068). Conclusion: SDT within GDMT yielded comparable outcomes to pleural drainage in elderly AHF patients with moderate PE, with respect to effusion resolution and hospital length of stay, without increased risk of worsening renal function or electrolyte imbalance.