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Subdural empyema in children

Mohammed A Hendaus1

  • 1Hamad Medical Corporation. mhendaus@yahoo.com.

Global Journal of Health Science
|November 1, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Subdural empyema in children requires prompt management. Early antibiotic treatment and imaging are key; surgery like craniotomy or burr holes may be necessary for severe cases.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurosurgery
  • Infectious Diseases in Children

Background:

  • Subdural empyema (SDE) poses a significant life-threatening risk in infants and children.
  • Effective management is crucial to prevent severe outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the prevalence, etiology, clinical features, investigations, and management strategies for subdural empyema in pediatric patients.
  • To provide guidance on optimal treatment approaches for SDE in children.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature search of the PubMed database using terms: Subdural empyema, children, and management.
  • Review of relevant neurosurgical textbooks.

Main Results:

  • Conservative management with antibiotics and serial imaging is suitable for stable patients without focal deficits or altered mental status.
  • Surgical intervention, including craniotomy or burr holes, is indicated for patients with neurological deficits, mental status changes, or poor response to antibiotics.
  • Burr hole drainage may be preferred for frail patients or those in septic shock.

Conclusions:

  • Subdural empyema management in children necessitates a tailored approach based on clinical presentation and response to therapy.
  • Prompt diagnosis and appropriate intervention, whether conservative or surgical, are vital for improving patient outcomes.

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