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Thoracic empyema: a study of 56 patients

E D Mangete1, B B Kombo, T E Legg-Jack

  • 1Department of Surgery, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.

Archives of Disease in Childhood
|November 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric thoracic empyema is often caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Treatment with tube drainage and antibiotics yields a high survival rate of 97% in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Thoracic Surgery
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Medical Microbiology

Background:

  • Thoracic empyema in children presents a significant clinical challenge.
  • Understanding causative pathogens and treatment outcomes is crucial for pediatric care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the clinical presentation, causative organisms, and treatment outcomes of pediatric thoracic empyema.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of current management strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 57 children with thoracic empyema treated between 1989 and 1991.
  • Identification of causative microorganisms from pleural fluid.
  • Assessment of clinical symptoms, treatment interventions, and patient outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Staphylococcus aureus (63%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (18%) were the most common pathogens.
  • Fever and cough were the predominant symptoms in 89% of cases.
  • Closed intercostal tube drainage and antibiotics resulted in a 97% survival rate with only one patient requiring decortication.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric thoracic empyema is frequently associated with Staphylococcus aureus.
  • Prompt diagnosis and management with closed tube drainage and antibiotics are highly effective.
  • The study demonstrates a high survival rate, underscoring the efficacy of conservative treatment approaches.

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