Clinical characteristics and survival of hospitalized anthrax patients with pleural, pericardial, or peritoneal fluid collections

Pleural drainage appears associated with survival. Most inhalation anthrax patients develop bilateral collections, and may require chest-tube insertions. Surgical source control is associated with survival for anthrax-associated peritonitis. Following a wide-area release of Bacillus anthracis, public health authorities should anticipate many patients may require source control (e.g., chest tube drainage or surgery) and plan accordingly.