Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
11:32

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria

Published on: February 23, 2014

Parapneumonic empyema in children before the era of pneumococcal vaccination

E Niemi1, M Korppi

  • 1Paediatric Research Centre, Tampere University and University Hospital, Tampere, Finland.

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|March 30, 2011
PubMed

Insights

The incidence of childhood parapneumonic empyema has increased, with Streptococcus pneumoniae being a common cause. Further monitoring is needed to assess the impact of pneumococcal vaccination on empyema rates.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Respiratory medicine
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Paediatric empyema incidence has risen globally over the past two decades.
  • Parapneumonic empyema is a significant complication of childhood pneumonia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the incidence, causes, and clinical features of childhood parapneumonic empyema.
  • To analyze trends in paediatric empyema over an 18-year period.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of hospital charts for 21 paediatric patients diagnosed with parapneumonic empyema.
  • Analysis of patient data from a university hospital serving a population of 84,000 children between 1991 and 2009.

Main Results:

  • Annual incidence of parapneumonic empyema fluctuated, with an overall increase observed from 1991-2009.
  • Bacterial aetiology was identified in 52% of cases, with Streptococcus pneumoniae being the most common pathogen (45% of bacterial cases).
  • Clinical and laboratory findings were similar between patients with and without pleural effusion on admission; persistent fever and high CRP levels indicated empyema development during hospitalization.

Conclusions:

  • Childhood parapneumonic empyema incidence increased between 1991 and 2009, with Streptococcus pneumoniae as a primary cause.
  • The long-term impact of the pneumococcal vaccination program, implemented in 2010, on empyema incidence requires ongoing surveillance.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment01:30

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment

Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
Atypical Pneumonia01:14

Atypical Pneumonia

Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease include...
Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology01:29

Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of pneumonia involves the following steps:
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.