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Bacterial pericarditis in infancy and childhood
C Dupuis1, P Gronnier, J Kachaner
1Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Cardiologic Hospital, Lille, France.
The American Journal of Cardiology
|October 15, 1994
Summary
Bacterial pericarditis in children is treatable with antibiotics and drainage, leading to full recovery. Early diagnosis using echocardiography is key, preventing long-term complications like constrictive pericarditis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
Background:
- Bacterial pericarditis is a serious condition in children, often associated with septicemia.
- Symptoms include precordial pain, muffled heart sounds, friction rub, and cardiomegaly.
- Early diagnosis is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on a cooperative study of bacterial pericarditis in children.
- To evaluate diagnostic methods and treatment outcomes.
- To assess long-term sequelae.
Main Methods:
- Cooperative study involving 43 pediatric cases of bacterial pericarditis.
- Clinical diagnosis based on symptoms and signs.
- Echocardiography utilized for early diagnosis.
- Treatment included appropriate antibiotic therapy and early pericardial drainage.
Main Results:
- Bacterial pericarditis was suspected in children with septicemia presenting with pericardial symptoms.
- Echocardiography facilitated early diagnosis.
- Combined medical and surgical treatment resulted in recovery for 42 out of 43 cases.
- No cases of constrictive pericarditis were observed during long-term follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial pericarditis in children can be successfully treated with a combination of antibiotics and early pericardial drainage.
- Prompt diagnosis, aided by echocardiography, is essential.
- This approach leads to complete recovery and prevents long-term complications.