This tool supports structured infectious-disease decision making but does not replace clinician judgement or local guideline pathways.
This OpiCalc infectious-disease entry reflects commonly used guideline criteria and bedside risk features used in contemporary clinical practice.
Parapneumonic Effusion Complexity: Differentiate uncomplicated from complicated parapneumonic effusions.
Loculations or septations
+2 Points
Positive pleural culture / Gram stain
+3 Points
Low pleural pH or glucose
Large hemithorax involvement
+1 Points
Empyema / frank pus
Persistent inflammatory response
Assessment Tier
Score 0
Profile is more consistent with an uncomplicated effusion.