[Why are pediatric empyemas on the increase in Spain?]

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Epidemiology
• Infectious Diseases

Context:

• A perceived increase in pediatric empyema cases in Spain.
• Limited objective data and absence of active surveillance systems.
• International literature review on potential causes for rising empyema rates.

Purpose:

• To review the current situation of pediatric empyema in Spain.
• To discuss hypotheses explaining the observed increase in empyema incidence.
• To highlight the need for improved surveillance and control strategies.

Summary:

• Pediatric empyema incidence is increasing in Spain, including pneumococcal-related cases.
• The exact cause for this rise is currently unknown.
• No definitive link has been established with the heptavalent conjugate pneumococcal vaccine.

Impact:

• The findings underscore the urgent need for prospective empyema surveillance systems in Spain.
• Highlights the importance of developing active surveillance for pneumococcal disease.
• Provides a basis for future research into the causes and prevention of pediatric empyema.