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Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Local Anesthetic Thoracoscopy for Undiagnosed Pleural Effusion
Published on: November 10, 2023
Microbiology and management of pleural empyema
1Newcastle General Hospital, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 6BE, UK. Julia.clark@nuth.nhs.uk
Abstract:
Empyema is apparently becoming more common, with pneumococcus being the most common pathogen detected in Europe and the USA. However, group A streptococcus and S. aureus pneumonia are individually more likely to progress to empyema. Serotype 1 pneumococcus is frequently implicated and the reasons for an apparent increase in incidence remain unclear. Management requires antibiotics and removal of pus either by fibrinolysis or primary drainage.
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