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Empyema in children

Ksh Kala Singh1, Ng Aboi Singh, T Hemjit Singh

  • 1Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal 795004.

Journal of the Indian Medical Association
|June 18, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Closed chest drainage effectively manages pediatric empyema thoracis, leading to good lung expansion in most cases. This study reviewed 50 children treated with drainage and aspiration, with some requiring surgery for tuberculous empyema.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Thoracic Surgery
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Empyema thoracis is a significant thoracic infection in children.
  • Effective management strategies are crucial for favorable outcomes.
  • Previous studies highlight the role of surgical intervention and medical management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of closed chest drainage in pediatric empyema thoracis.
  • To analyze treatment outcomes and complications in a cohort of children.
  • To identify factors influencing treatment success in empyema management.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 50 pediatric empyema thoracis cases treated between 1994-2000.
  • Review of patient records for management strategies including chest drainage, aspiration, and surgical interventions.
  • Assessment of lung expansion and treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Closed chest drainage was the primary treatment, achieving good lung expansion in the majority of cases.
  • Thirty-eight cases were treated with drainage, while 4 required repeated aspirations.
  • Eight cases of tuberculous empyema underwent thoracotomy and decortication, with one recurrence.

Conclusions:

  • Closed chest drainage is a highly effective primary treatment for pediatric empyema thoracis.
  • Surgical intervention like decortication may be necessary for specific cases, particularly tuberculous empyema.
  • Prompt management with drainage and appropriate medical therapy improves outcomes.

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