Abstract
Introduction: Empyema thoracis is a condition where pus is collected in the pleural cavity. It is a significant cause of pediatric hospital admission and pediatric morbidity especially in developing countries. The objective of this study is to evaluate the clinico-bacteriological profile and outcome of empyema thoracis in children below 12 yrs of age.
Method: Patients below 12 yrs of age suffering from empyema thoracis were included in this study. After proper history taking and complete examination routine and specific investigations were done. The pleural fluid was studied for cytology, gram staining, microscopy, culture and sensitivity pattern. All the patients were treated with chest tube drainage and antibiotic therapy. Outcome and complications were noted.
Result: The most common age of presentation was 1-5 yrs (60%) with 64% patients being male. Pleural fluid study showed the culture was positive in 30% cases. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism isolated (53%) followed by mycobacterium species, Streptococcus pneumonie, Klebsiella and E coli. Intercostal drainage and antibiotic was the mainstay of treatment.. Majority patients responded to the treatment, however 22% cases were referred to higher centres for surgical interventions. Pyothorax and pleural thickening were the most common complications and majority patients survived (94%).
Conclusion: Early diagnosis and intervention significantly reduces morbidity in a case of empyema thoracis. Antibiotics and chest drainage is an effective method of treating empyema thoracis in resource poor settings. In this region of Shushrutanagar, Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism isolated from pleural fluid. Thus prophylactic administration of appropriate antibiotics even prior to c/s report may lead to a better outcome.
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Corresponding Author
Shriya Akanksha
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DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v6i9.18
