Related Experiment Videos

Pediatric lung abscess: a retrospective review of 23 cases

Chen-Chieh Yen1, Ren-Bin Tang, Shu-Jen Chen

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Veterans General Hospital and National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.

Journal of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infection = Wei Mian Yu Gan Ran Za Zhi
|April 3, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric lung abscess, a serious condition, was studied in 23 children over 20 years. Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most common pathogen, with secondary abscesses linked to mortality.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Pulmonary abscess is a rare but critical condition in childhood.
  • Understanding its presentation, pathogens, and outcomes is vital for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the clinical characteristics, bacteriology, management, and outcomes of pediatric lung abscess.
  • To identify common pathogens and risk factors associated with mortality.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 23 children with documented lung abscess.
  • Data collected over a 20-year period (April 1982 to April 2002) at Taipei Veterans General Hospital.
  • Analysis of presenting symptoms, pathogen isolation, treatment strategies, and patient outcomes.

Main Results:

  • 11 cases were primary lung abscess, and 12 were secondary.
  • Pathogens were isolated in 69.6% of patients; Streptococcus pneumoniae was most common.
  • Mortality occurred in 2 patients (8.7%), both with secondary lung abscess.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric lung abscess requires prompt diagnosis and management.
  • Secondary lung abscesses present a higher risk of mortality.
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae is a frequent causative agent in pediatric lung abscess.

Related Concept Videos

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment01:30

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment

Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Pneumothorax-II01:27

Pneumothorax-II

Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation01:17

Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation

In terms of human respiration, the act of expelling air, known as exhalation (or expiration), operates on the principle of pressure gradients. During expiration, the pressure within the lungs exceeds that of the surrounding atmosphere. Under normal conditions, quiet breathing involves passive exhalation and is free of muscular contractions. This is because the exhalation process is driven by the natural elastic recoil of the lungs and chest wall, both of which have an inherent tendency to...