Publications by authors named "Paula P Griffith"
Background: Pleural effusions are present in 15% to 44% of hospitalized patients with pneumonia. It is unknown whether effusions at first presentation to the ED influence outcomes or should be managed differently.
Methods: We studied patients in seven hospital EDs with International Statistical Classification of Disease and Health Related Problems-Version 9 codes for pneumonia, or empyema, sepsis, or respiratory failure with secondary pneumonia.