Publication:

Management of empyema in paediatric patients: experience at a tertiary care centre

Introduction Lung empyema is an ancient disease that remains a significant clinical problem in paediatric patients. The most common precursor is bacterial pneumonia and subsequent pleural effusion. Despite widespread antibiotic use and pneumococcal vaccines, empyema continues to be a major complication of pneumonia and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.

Methods A retrospective review of medical records of paediatric patients diagnosed with lung empyema at Parul Sevashram Hospital from January 2022 to August 2025 was conducted. Treatment modalities ranged from conservative management (injectable antibiotics) to surgical interventions, including intercostal drainage (ICD) tube insertion, intrapleural streptokinase therapy, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), and thoracotomy.

Results Sixty patients were included in the study. 20 were treated conservatively with injectable antibiotics. Surgical interventions were employed in 40 patients: ICD insertion (40 patients), intrapleural streptokinase (16 patients), VATS (2 patients), and thoracotomy (16 patients).

Conclusion This study compares the management of lung empyema at different stages and evaluates associated morbidity and mortality.