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.

Revista Da Associacao Medica Brasileira (1992)
|August 6, 2026
PubMed

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.
Abstract

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