Related Experiment Videos

Conservative treatment of postpneumonic thoracic empyema in children

S Kerem Ozel1, Ahmet Kazez, Mehmet Kilic

  • 1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Firat University, 23119 Elazig, Turkey.

Surgery Today
|December 8, 2004
PubMed

Insights

A conservative approach is effective for treating pediatric thoracic empyema. Early detection and treatment of tuberculosis are crucial for better outcomes in children with empyema.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Thoracic Surgery
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Thoracic empyema in children presents treatment challenges.
  • Optimal timing for intervention in pediatric empyema remains debated.
  • Conservative management is an alternative to early surgical intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the outcomes of conservative treatment for postpneumonic empyema in children.
  • To determine the effectiveness of a non-surgical approach in pediatric thoracic empyema cases.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 115 pediatric patients diagnosed with postpneumonic thoracic empyema (1990-2002).
  • Analysis of clinical presentation, radiological findings, microbiological data, and treatment modalities.
  • Comparison of outcomes based on empyema severity and treatment approach.

Main Results:

  • Fever, cough, and dyspnea were the most common symptoms.
  • Staphylococcus aureus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis were the predominant pathogens.
  • Conservative management was successful in most cases, with only 10.4% requiring surgical decortication.
  • Shorter hospitalization was observed in patients with minimal pleural collections compared to massive ones.

Conclusions:

  • A conservative approach can be successfully employed for the majority of pediatric postpneumonic empyema cases.
  • Thorough investigation for tuberculosis is recommended in children with thoracic empyema.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

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:
Pneumonia IV: Management01:28

Pneumonia IV: Management

The treatment of pneumonia varies based on its severity and the causative pathogen. Here is a structured approach to managing pneumonia, integrating pharmaceutical and supportive care strategies.
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include:
Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention01:30

Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention

Nursing management of pneumonia involves promoting airway patency, facilitating rest and conserving energy, encouraging fluid intake, maintaining nutrition, and educating patients.
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed.
Tonsillitis II: Management01:26

Tonsillitis II: Management

This lesson will focus on the different treatment options for managing tonsillitis, which typically depend on the cause and severity.
Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis01:26

Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis

Thoracentesis(Thoracocentesis), commonly known as pleural tap, is a medical procedure where a 22 gauge needle is inserted into the pleural space, the area between the lung and chest wall. This procedure is commonly performed to diagnose or treat various respiratory disorders.
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
Acute Respiratory Failure-V01:29

Acute Respiratory Failure-V

The treatment for acute respiratory failure varies based on factors like the underlying cause, overall health, and severity. A collaborative healthcare team is essential for early detection, often through arterial blood gas analysis. Identifying the cause is the primary goal, with treatment strategies adjusted for ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) mismatch, shunting, or diffusion impairment.
Ensure that patients are monitored continuously for their response to therapy, including changes in...