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Updated: May 23, 2026
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International Expert Consensus and Recommendations for Neonatal Pneumothorax Ultrasound Diagnosis and Ultrasound-guided Thoracentesis Procedure
Published on: March 12, 2020
Is spontaneous pneumothorax really a pediatric problem? A national perspective
Kurtis Dotson1, Nathan Timm, Mike Gittelman
1Division of Emergency Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA. kurtis.dotson@cchmc.org
Pediatric Emergency Care
|March 29, 2012
Summary
Spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) incidence in children is increasing, primarily affecting adolescent males. Many pediatric SP cases are managed without surgical procedures.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Epidemiology
- Thoracic Surgery
Background:
- Spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) research predominantly focuses on adults and adolescents.
- Limited population-based data exists for pediatric SP incidence and trends.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) in the pediatric population.
- To analyze SP incidence across different pediatric age groups.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of pediatric patients (0-17 years) hospitalized with SP.
- Utilized the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids' Inpatient Database (1997-2006).
- Examined trends in incidence, demographics, length of stay, procedures, and associated conditions.
Main Results:
- Overall pediatric SP incidence rose from 2.68 to 3.41 per 100,000 population (1997-2006).
- Males were 4.2 times more likely than females to develop SP in 2006.
- Common procedures included chest tube (32%), bleb excision (20%); common diagnoses were emphysematous bleb (21%) and asthma (10%).
Conclusions:
- Spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) is uncommon but increasing in pediatric males and adolescents.
- A significant portion of pediatric SP cases are managed non-procedurally.
- Highlights the need for further research into pediatric SP etiology and management.
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