Prevalence, Severity, and Post-Transplant Mortality of Symptomatic Pleural Effusion in Adult Candidates for Liver Transplantation - Scorecard - MDSpire

Prevalence, Severity, and Post-Transplant Mortality of Symptomatic Pleural Effusion in Adult Candidates for Liver Transplantation

  • By

  • Ilker Kolbas

  • Adem Tuncer

  • Emrah Sahin

  • Abuzer Dirican

  • December 27, 2025

  • 0 min

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Clinical Scorecard: Prevalence, Severity, and Post-Transplant Mortality of Symptomatic Pleural Effusion in Adult Candidates for Liver Transplantation

At a Glance

CategoryDetail
ConditionSymptomatic Pleural Effusion in Liver Transplant Candidates
Key MechanismsHepatic hydrothorax due to portal hypertension and ascites leading to pleural effusion.
Target PopulationAdult candidates for liver transplantation with decompensated cirrhosis.
Care SettingTertiary university hospital.

Key Highlights

  • 12.8% of liver transplant candidates had symptomatic pleural effusion.
  • Pleural effusions predominantly occur on the right side (85%).
  • Untreated hepatic hydrothorax has a median survival of 8-12 months.
  • Refractory hepatic hydrothorax is an independent predictor of mortality.
  • Liver transplantation is the definitive management for refractory hepatic hydrothorax.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

  • Symptomatic pleural effusion should be identified through imaging and clinical assessment.

Management

  • Liver transplantation is recommended for patients with refractory hepatic hydrothorax.

Monitoring & Follow-up

  • Monitor for respiratory symptoms and assess the need for therapeutic interventions.

Risks

  • Higher mortality risk associated with untreated symptomatic pleural effusion.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Adult liver transplant candidates with symptomatic pleural effusion.

Patients with refractory hepatic hydrothorax may benefit from MELD exception points for prioritization on transplant lists.

Clinical Best Practices

  • Conduct thorough pre-transplant evaluations to assess for symptomatic pleural effusion.
  • Consider the impact of pleural effusion on post-transplant outcomes.

Related Resources & Content

Original Source(s)

Prevalence, Severity, and Post-Transplant Mortality of Symptomatic Pleural Effusion in Adult Candidates for Liver Transplantation

  • by Ilker Kolbas, Adem Tuncer, Emrah Sahin, Abuzer Dirican

  • December 27, 2025

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