The Diagnosis And Therapeutic Modalities Of Pediatric Empyema

ObjectiveThe incidence of empyema in children is still frequent. The treatment of choice, however, is still a matter of debate. Empyema thoracis can produce significant morbidity in children if inadequately treated. The primary aim of this study was to explore the surgical diagnosis and management of pediatric empyema.MethodsWe collected and analyzed retrospectively clinical data of 51 children who with pleural empyema were treated. The managemente(thoracocentesis,close drainage,fibrinolytic agents,closed chest drainage by rib resection,decortication) was decided no the stages of empyema.ResultsThe antibiotic therapy and supportive therapy were used in all stages of empyema. 7 patients were cured by thoracocentesis; 37 patients were cured by close drainage(8 patients were choiced intrapleural fibrinolytic agents );2 patients were cured by closed chest drainage by rib resection; 5 patients were cured by decortication.All patients follow up three to six moths, no one recrudesce.Conclusions(1) The children with empyema should be used antibiotic and supportive therapy. (2) The managenment (thoracocentesis,close drainage,fibrinolytic agents,closed chest drainage by rib resection,decortication) should be decided on the stages of empyema and requires clinical experience,and than children with pleural empyema can be successfully treated.