Pleural Effusion Tables and Figures

Characteristics of the Three Stages of Parapneumonic Pleural Effusions

Exudative Stage Fibrinolytic Stage Organizing Stage (Empyema)
Appearance Nonpurulent, not turbid Nonpurulent, not turbid Purulent, turbid
Fluid consistency Free-flowing Loculated Organized
Gram stain and culture results Negative Transitional Positive (before antibiotic treatment)
Glucose >100 mg/dL <50 mg/dL <50 mg/dL
Protein <3 g/dL >3 g/dL >3 g/dL
pH >7.30 <7.30 <7.30
WBCs Few PMNs PMNs

PMNs, polymorphonuclear neutrophils; WBCs, white blood cells.

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