Thoracic empyema: aetiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention

The aim of this study was to review current key points in the aetiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of empyema thoracis. Early postpandemic trends have seen an increasing global incidence and evolution in the aetiology of empyema. Due to varied aetiology and typically lengthy treatment, empyema will be disproportionately affected by the rising tide of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), thus warranting attention and further research.

Multiple novel biomarkers (e.g. IL-36γ) are under investigation to aid diagnosis, while oral health assessment tools are now available for prognosticating and risk-stratifying patients with thoracic empyema. There exists an ongoing lack of evidence-based guidance surrounding antibiotic treatment duration, surgical intervention indication, and prognostic scoring utility.

Understanding aetiologies in different global regions and settings is pivotal for guiding empirical treatment. Antimicrobial resistance will make thoracic empyema increasingly challenging to treat and should prompt increased awareness of prescribing practices. Novel biomarkers are under investigation which may speed up differentiation of pleural effusion types, allowing faster cohorting of patients.Although newly identified predictors of morbidity and mortality have been suggested to be beneficial for incorporation into clinical practice, further work is required to prognosticate, risk-stratify, and standardize treatment.