Empyema thoracis in children

ABSTRACT

1. An unusual increase of empyema thoracis cases numbering a total of 30 cases were admitted to the NCH from January to December 1963. The marked increased during this year compared to previous years seems to parallel a rash of pneumonias observed in the city and suburbs and documented in other pediatric charity hospitals2. More cases were observed during the month of February. Again similar observations were made in other hospitals3. More cases with more severe manifestations were observed on children below 2 years. In this age group, more males were affected than females4. Mortality of 2 deaths were observed in those below 2 years5. A preceding respiratory infection was elicited in 83.3 cases usually occurring 1-2 weeks before the onset of empyema6. The staphyloccous was the predominant organism identified. It was isolated in pure cultures in 5 cases and in 4 out of mixed flora making a total of 9 in all 16 positive patients7. The principles of management were discussed and interpretation of results analyzed. (Summary)