[Pleural effusion in childhood: management algorithm]. / Epanchement pleural de l'enfant: Proposition d'un algorithme de prise en charge.

Based on an increased prevalence of empyema in children,we reviewed the literature on the diagnosis and management of this affection. A retrospective study of 11 children admitted to our hospital in 2003 shows a prolonged hospitalisation (median 18 days) even with adequate treatment. Based on our experience and data from the literature, we propose a management algorithm to allow treatment of children admitted ith pleural effusion.