LENT Prognostic Score for Malignant Pleural Effusion
Why Use
Survival for patients with malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is variable, and treatment is invasive, uncomfortable, and affects quality of life. Better understanding of survival can help inform treatment decisions.
Formula
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.
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.
More Information
Interpretation: LENT Score Risk Median survival 0–1 Low 319 days 2–4 Moderate 130 days 5–7 High 44 days