review of 52 cases of empyema of thorax in adults [etiology, microbiology and management]

ABSTRACT

Fifty two cases of empyema of thorax were admitted in Chest Medicine Unit, JPMC from January 1995 to August 1997. There were 39 male and 13 female, with average age of 42 years [14 to 70 years]. 70% [36] had empyema secondary to bronchopulmonary infection, 5.76% [2] had ruptured liver abscesses and 13.46% [7] had iatrogenic empyema. The most common clinical manifestation was fever 82%, cough and chest pain [59%], dyspnoea [32%] and weight loss [19%]. The commonest organism isolated was Pseudomonas aeurogenosa [13%], followed by E. coli and Staph, aureus 11% each. Therefore it is necessary that Bronchopulmonary infection should be adequately managed to prevent Empyema Thoracis