CLINICAL AND ETIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF SPONTANEOUS PNEUMOTHORAX

Abstract

Objectives: To study the clinical and etiological profile of spontaneous pneumothorax.        

Participants: Spontaneous pneumothorax at admission or who developed spontaneous pneumothorax during a hospital stay.

Study design: The study was conducted prospectively over a period of 24 months.

Methods: Complete history with examination and investigations was documented. Clinical, lab, and radiological evidence were used.

Results: 55 cases of spontaneous pneumothorax were studied, out of which 32 were primary spontaneous and 23 were secondary spontaneous pneumothorax.PSP is more common than SSP. Males are more affected than females with a ratio of around 5:1. Risk factors of PSP include male, younger age, tall, and low BMI. The most common presentation in PSP is chest pain. The most common presentation in SSP is dyspnea. Smoking is an important risk factor for both PSP as well as SSP. TB is the most common cause of SSP followed by COPD and Pneumonia. SP is more common on the left side as compared to the right side. The recurrence rate is around 18%. ICTD is the most common method of management

Conclusions: Males contribute a significant proportion of spontaneous pneumothorax. In PSP multiple risk factors play a role in the development of pneumothorax particularly young age, tall height, low BMI, and male sex. Most of the time pneumothorax presents as chest pain and dyspnea. TB is the most common cause for SP and ICTD is the most common method of management.