Abstract:

Pleural effusion has high morbidity among hospitalized children. The mainstays of treatment are to establish an early diagnosis. Because the causes of pleural effusion are complex，the management of pleural effusion is very challenging and varies with causes. The review presents the approach to pleural effusion，including etiology，fluid analysis and managment. Pediatricians should be aware that pleural effusion is only the starting point of diagnosis and differential diagnosis，it is more important to find the cause，and clear etiology will result in effective and precise treatment.

Key words: pleural effusion, empyema, tuberculous pleuritis, chylothorax

摘要：

胸腔积液在儿科发病率较高，早期诊断极为重要。但胸腔积液的病因复杂，其治疗也很有挑战性。通过对胸腔积液的病因、胸腔积液分析及治疗进行总结及阐释，儿科医生应该认识到，发现胸腔积液仅仅是诊断和鉴别诊断的起点，追根溯源寻找病因才是更关键的目标，明确病因必然会带来更有效而确切的治疗。

关键词: 胸腔积液, 脓胸, 结核性胸膜炎, 乳糜胸