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Parapneumonic effusions and empyema
1Long Beach VA Medical Center, Department of Medicine, CA 90822, USA.
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine
|July 1, 1996
Summary
Thoracic empyema causes significant illness and death. This review covers empyema diagnosis, causative organisms, treatment methods, and animal model results for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Thoracic empyema presents a substantial clinical challenge.
- Patients experience high morbidity, prolonged hospital stays, and increased mortality.
- Parapneumonic effusions often precede the development of empyema.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of thoracic empyema.
- To discuss key aspects including diagnosis, etiology, and treatment.
- To incorporate findings from animal models.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on parapneumonic effusions and empyema.
- Synthesis of information on diagnostic approaches.
- Analysis of etiological agents and therapeutic strategies.
- Examination of relevant animal studies.
Main Results:
- Diagnosis relies on clinical presentation, imaging, and pleural fluid analysis.
- Common causative organisms include *Streptococcus pneumoniae*, *Staphylococcus aureus*, and anaerobes.
- Treatment involves antibiotics and pleural space drainage (e.g., chest tubes, surgery).
- Animal models provide insights into pathogenesis and treatment efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Effective management requires prompt diagnosis and appropriate antimicrobial therapy.
- Surgical intervention may be necessary for complicated or loculated empyema.
- Continued research, including animal models, is crucial for advancing treatment strategies.