[Clinico-immunologic shifts in pleural empyema in patients of different age]

In 218 patients the causes of pleural empyema, the state of immunological indices and treatment have been studied in relation to patient's age. It is demonstrated that the most inadequate protection potential, conditioned by an insufficient specific resistance, is observed in children and patients over 50 years of age. The treatment of pleural empyema is usually started with a puncture method of administering antibiotics, enzymes and general analeptic drugs. In children due to a rapidly progressing intoxication and pulmonary insufficiency thoracocentesis was employed in 55.5%, in patients aged from 16 to 50 years pleurectomy and other operative procedures were accomplished. In patients over 50 years of age a puncture method and thoracocentesis were applied, surgery being used only in 10.4 per cent.