Empyema in Children with Pneumonia
Author Information
Author(s): Langley Joanne M, Kellner James D, Solomon Nataly, Robinson Joan L, Le Saux Nicole, McDonald Jane, Ulloa-Gutierrez Rolando, Tan Ben, Allen Upton, Dobson Simon, Joudrey Heather
Primary Institution: Dalhousie University
Hypothesis
The study aims to describe the epidemiology and clinical management of empyema in children before the widespread implementation of pneumococcal vaccination in Canada.
Conclusion
Empyema occurs most commonly in children under five years and is associated with considerable morbidity, with significant variation in management observed across different centers.
Supporting Evidence
- The most common organism found was Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- 77% of children required supplemental oxygen.
- 75% had chest tube placement.
- 33% were admitted to an intensive care unit.
- The median length of hospitalization was 9 days.
Takeaway
Empyema is a serious lung infection that affects many young children, especially in winter, and doctors treat it in different ways depending on where they are.
Methodology
Health records for children under 18 years admitted for empyema were reviewed across eight pediatric hospitals in Canada from 2000 to 2003.
Potential Biases
Variation in management practices may reflect local biases and lack of standardized guidelines.
Limitations
The study was not population-based, limiting the ability to determine the overall incidence of empyema in Canada.
Participant Demographics
51.4% male, average age 6.0 years, 42% Caucasian, 18% Aboriginal, 7% Asian.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.30
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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