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International Expert Consensus and Recommendations for Neonatal Pneumothorax Ultrasound Diagnosis and Ultrasound-guided Thoracentesis Procedure
Published on: March 12, 2020
Management of primary spontaneous pneumothorax in the pediatric population: a 7-year institutional experience
Mehmet Akif Tezcan1, Emre Gedik1, İbrahim Ethem Özsoy1
1University of Health Sciences, Kayseri City Training and Research Hospital, Department of Thoracic Surgery - Kayseri, Türkiye.
Insights
Recurrence of primary spontaneous pneumothorax in children is linked to pneumothorax percentage. Individualized treatment is crucial for pediatric patients, as adult protocols may not suffice.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) affects individuals without underlying lung disease.
- PSP in children and adolescents requires specific clinical evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess clinical features, treatments, and recurrence rates of PSP in pediatric patients.
- To identify factors influencing PSP recurrence in this age group.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 33 patients under 18 with PSP.
- Data collected included demographics, symptoms, pneumothorax characteristics, and treatment outcomes.
- Pneumothorax ratio calculated using BTS guidelines and Kircher-Swartzel formula.
Main Results:
- 15 recurrent episodes observed among 33 patients.
- A significant correlation was found between pneumothorax percentage and recurrence.
- No significant association between BMI, Haller index, gender, or pneumothorax side and recurrence/complications.
Conclusions:
- Individualized treatment is vital for pediatric PSP, despite similarities to adult management.
- Further large-scale research is needed to standardize treatment protocols for childhood PSP.
Objective:
Primary spontaneous pneumothorax is characterized by the accumulation of air within the pleural space in the absence underlying lung diseases. This study aims to evaluate the clinical characteristics, treatment modalities, and recurrence rates of child and adolescent patients diagnosed with primary spontaneous pneumothorax in our clinic.
Methods:
Patients under the age of 18 diagnosed with primary spontaneous pneumothorax via chest X-ray and thoracic computed tomography were included in the study. Patients' age, gender, presenting complaints, side of pneumothorax, treatment method, complication status, history of recurrence, smoking status, body mass index, and Haller index were recorded. The pneumothorax ratio was calculated radiologically according to the British Thoracic Society guidelines and using the Kircher-Swartzel formula.
Results:
Total of 33 patients were included in the study. During follow-up, 15 recurrent episodes occurred, yielding a total of 48 pneumothorax episodes for analysis. No patient experienced more than two total episodes. A statistically significant relationship was identified between the pneumothorax percentage and the development of recurrence. No statistically significant difference was found between body mass/Haller/gender index and the development of recurrence. No significant association was found between the side of pneumothorax (left, right, or bilateral) and the development of either recurrence or complications.
Conclusion:
Although management strategies similar to adult protocols are applied in childhood pneumothorax, individualized treatment planning based on patient characteristics is of paramount importance. Large-scale studies are required to establish a standardized treatment protocol.
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Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...