Empyema in children in tropics

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Empyema in children is a serious condition with significant morbidity and mortality.
• Measles bronchopneumonia and malnutrition were common comorbidities in pediatric empyema cases.
• Penicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was a notable pathogen identified in a subset of patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the incidence and clinical characteristics of pediatric empyema.
• To evaluate treatment outcomes and identify factors influencing mortality.
• To assess the role of specific antibiotic regimens and supportive care.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 36 pediatric empyema cases over two years.
• Data collection on patient demographics, comorbidities, causative organisms, treatment modalities, and outcomes.
• Review of antibiotic sensitivities and treatment regimens, including closed tube drainage and parenteral antibiotics.

Main Results:

• Overall incidence of empyema was 0.11% of hospital admissions.
• 16 cases involved penicillin-resistant Staphylococcus infections.
• Mortality rate was significant, with most deaths occurring within three days of admission; survivors showed good recovery with supportive care.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric empyema, particularly with resistant pathogens, presents a critical challenge.
• Closed tube drainage combined with appropriate antibiotic therapy and supportive measures like blood transfusions is crucial.
• Further research into optimal management strategies for pediatric empyema is warranted.