Empyema in children -- a five year study (observations and evaluation of management)

ABSTRACT

1. The incidence of empyema complicating pneumonic infections is higher in the low income group than in the higher income group, the difference being statistically significant2. Empyema is more common in males than in females. No explanation can be offered for this finding3. The most common etiological agent was various strains of staphylococci. The pneumococcus appears to be less frequently involved in this disease entity as in other respiratory infections4. Mortality is highest in the age group below 1 year. However, a review of the literature on empyemas shows that mortality rates from this entity is lower in more recent years5. Repeated thoracentesis yields quite satisfactory results, provided there is adequate antibiotic coverage. (Summary and Conclusions)