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Increased incidence of empyema in Polynesian children

Naomi Wright1, Philip Hammond, Philip Morreau

  • 1Department of Surgery, University College Hospital, London, UK. naomiwright@doctors.org.uk

The New Zealand Medical Journal
|July 14, 2011
PubMed

Insights

This study found a higher incidence of pediatric empyema in Maori and Pacific children. This population may experience more severe empyema, impacting treatment outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Thoracic Surgery
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Empyema is a significant pediatric thoracic infection.
  • Understanding its epidemiology and treatment outcomes is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the epidemiology, treatment, and outcomes of surgically managed pediatric empyema.
  • To investigate ethnic disparities in empyema incidence and severity.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of pediatric empyema cases at Starship Children's Hospital (2003-2008).
  • Analysis of surgical management including Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) and thoracotomy.
  • Comparison of outcomes based on ethnicity and treatment modality.

Main Results:

  • 71% of empyema cases were in Maori or Pacific children, who represent only 30% of the pediatric population.
  • Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) showed a 16% complication rate.
  • Median chest drainage duration was 3 days and hospital stay was 14 days post-VATS.

Conclusions:

  • This study documents a significantly increased incidence of empyema in the Polynesian population.
  • Empyema severity may be higher in Polynesian children, potentially affecting treatment outcomes.
Abstract

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