LENT Prognostic Score for Malignant Pleural Effusion
Predicts survival in patients with malignant pleural effusion.
Advice
- For patients in whom malignant status is suspected, Light’s Criteria may provide initial confirmation before definitive diagnosis.
- Consider palliative care consultation for patients with metastatic disease.
Management
Consider prognosis in discussion of treatment options. Patients with high risk and low predicted survival may opt for permanent indwelling pleural catheter or therapeutic aspiration for minimizing hospital stay versus attempted pleurodesis.