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Clinical analysis of cases of empyema due to Streptococcus milleri group

Yoshihiro Kobashi1, Kenji Mouri, Shinichi Yagi

  • 1Division of Respiratory Diseases, Department of Medicine, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki, Japan. yoshihiro@med.kawasaki-m.ac.jp

Japanese Journal of Infectious Diseases
|December 4, 2008
PubMed

Insights

This study on Streptococcus milleri group empyema found that most patients, often older men with underlying conditions, responded well to chest tube drainage and antibiotics, with a low mortality rate.

Area of Science:

  • Medical microbiology
  • Thoracic surgery
  • Infectious diseases

Background:

  • Empyema is a serious condition often requiring intervention.
  • Streptococcus milleri group is a known pathogen in thoracic infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze treatment outcomes for empyema caused by Streptococcus milleri group.
  • To identify patient demographics and common complications.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 15 empyema cases.
  • Review of patient demographics, comorbidities, and treatment regimens.
  • Evaluation of treatment outcomes, including drainage duration, surgery, and hospitalization.

Main Results:

  • The majority of patients were older men (mean age 62) with underlying diseases.
  • Chest tube drainage and antibiotics were standard treatments.
  • Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was performed in 40% of cases.
  • High treatment success rate (93%) and low mortality (7%).

Conclusions:

  • Streptococcus milleri group empyema can be effectively treated with drainage and antibiotics.
  • Surgical intervention may be necessary for some patients.
  • Prompt treatment leads to favorable outcomes.

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