Antibiotic management of simple parapneumonic effusion

Patients with pneumonia who develop a simple pleural effusion (parapneumonic effusion) do not require pleural fluid sampling and drainage. For the definition of a simple pleural effusion and a summary of management, see Definitions and management of parapneumonic effusion and thoracic empyema.

No change is needed to standard pneumonia treatment regimens, including the timing of intravenous to oral switch and duration of therapy. Continue standard empirical antibiotic therapy for the applicable type and severity of pneumonia. Closely monitor and follow up the patient to ensure the effusion does not progress; this may be via chest X-ray or thoracic ultrasoundDean, 2016.

For antibiotic regimens, see:

• Community-acquired pneumonia in adults
• Community-acquired pneumonia in children
• Community-acquired pneumonia in aged-care facilities
• Hospital-acquired pneumonia
• Ventilator-associated pneumonia
• Aspiration pneumonia
• Directed therapy for pneumonia.