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Updated: Aug 16, 2026
A Pleural Effusion Model in Rats by Intratracheal Instillation of Polyacrylate/Nanosilica
Published on: April 12, 2019
[Parapneumonic effussion. A review of 33 cases over 6 years]
N Sanz1, P Aguado, J C de Agustín
1Servicio de Cirugía Pediátrica, Hospital San Rafael, Madrid.
Insights
The incidence of childhood empyema thoracis is rising. Early sonographic evaluation and prompt treatment, including chest tubes, urokinase, or surgery, can reduce complications and hospital stays for pediatric parapneumonic effusions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Increasing incidence of empyema thoracis in children.
- Parapneumonic effusions require effective management to prevent complications.
- Need for a rational initial treatment strategy to reduce hospital stay.
Observation:
- Retrospective review of 33 children with parapneumonic effusions requiring surgical therapy (1997-2002).
- Patients were grouped based on management: chest tube, intrapleural urokinase, or surgical treatment (thoracoscopy/thoracotomy).
Findings:
- Early sonographic evaluation is crucial for assessing disease severity and surgical necessity.
- Thoracoscopic-assisted surgery is effective for early-stage pediatric empyema.
- Thoracotomy remains indicated for established empyema cases.
Implications:
- Implementing early sonographic evaluation can optimize treatment decisions for pediatric parapneumonic effusions.
- Thoracoscopic surgery offers a less invasive option for early empyema.
- Timely and appropriate intervention can mitigate long-term complications of empyema thoracis in children.
Unlabelled:
The incidence of empyema thoracis in children seems to be increasing. The objective [corrected] of this study is to propose a rational initial treatment of parapneumonic effusions in order to reduce hospital stay and late-stage empyema complications. Medical records of 33 children presenting parapneumonic effusions who required any surgical therapy between 1997 and 2002 were reviewed. They were grouped as (I) successful management with chest tube, (II) successful management with intrapleural instillation of urokinase and (III) successful surgical treatment: (IIIa) thoracoscopy or (IIIb) thoracotomy.
Conclusion:
Early sonographic evaluation of parapneumonic effusions is usefull to evaluate the severity of disease and the need for surgical intervention. Thoracoscopic-assisted surgery is an effective treatment for pediatric early-stage empyema. Thoracotomy is indicated for most children with established empyema.
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