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Pediatric empyema, often linked to pneumonia, requires prompt treatment. Closed chest tube drainage combined with antistaphylococcal antibiotics is the recommended approach for better outcomes in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Thoracic Surgery
Context:
- Empyema in children is a significant clinical challenge.
- This study examines 122 pediatric cases, highlighting common comorbidities like malnutrition, large pleural effusion, and pneumonia.
- Bacterial pathogens, particularly Staphylococcus aureus, are frequently identified.
Purpose:
- To analyze the clinical characteristics, microbiological findings, and treatment outcomes of pediatric empyema.
- To identify the most effective treatment strategies for childhood empyema.
Summary:
- The study reviewed 122 pediatric empyema cases with a mean age of 3 years.
- Malnutrition (33%), large pleural effusion (60%), and pneumonia (56%) were prevalent.
- Staphylococcus aureus (51%) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (18%) were the primary bacteria identified. Mortality was 6.5%.
- Closed chest tube drainage (53%) and appropriate antibiotic therapy were key interventions.
Impact:
- Findings support closed chest tube drainage and antistaphylococcal antibiotic therapy as the optimal treatment for pediatric empyema.
- Highlights the importance of addressing malnutrition and associated pneumonia in affected children.
- Contributes to understanding the epidemiology and management of empyema in pediatric populations.
Abstract:
We studied 122 cases of empyema in children. The mean age was 3 years. We found malnutrition in 33% of the patients. 60% of them had large pleural effusion and 56% associated pneumonia. Staphylococcus aureus (51%) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (18%) were the most frequently isolated bacterias in pleural fluid. The mortality rate was 6.5%. 53% of the children had closed chest tube drainage. There were minor abnormalities in pulmonary function tests. The best treatment of empyema in children is closed chest tube drainage and an antimicrobial therapy with antistaphylococcus antibiotic.