J Korean Pediatr Soc.  1978 Dec;21(12):1147-1153.

A Clinical Observation on Empema in Children

• Moon JW
• Kwon KI
• Paik IK
• Kang CM

Abstract

This is the report of clinical observation on seventy-four cases of pediatric empyema which were admitted to the Pediatric Department of Presbyterian Hospital, Daegu, Korea during the period of Jan. 1966 through May 1976. The following results were obtained. 1. Annual incidence showed no spacific prevalence. Highest seasonal incidence was in spring and winter(71.5%). 1-3 years old group was most commonly affected(35 cases, 47.3%) and 47 cases(63.5%) were under the 3 years of age. The male to female ratio was 2.5:1 2. The cardinal symptoms were fever(83.8%), cough(73%) 3. Pneumonia was most common preceding disease(59 cases, 79.7%) and Pneumothorax was complicated in 24 cases(32.4%). 4. The location of empyema was right side in 43 cases(58.1%), and 29 cases(39.1%) in left side. 2 cases(2.7%) were in both sides. 5. Causative organisms were cultured in 26 cases(44.6%). The commonest organism was staphyloccus aureus(17 cases, 65.4%). Diplococcus pneumoniae and streptococci were found in 7 cases(26. 9%) and 2 cases(7.7%) respectively. 6. Staphylococci were sensitive to erythromycin(64.3%), Kanamycin(50%), and Tetracyclinine(50%). The sensitivity test to Cloxacillin was not performed. 7. Antibiotics only were given to 25 cases(33.8%) and in 49 cases(66.2%), combined therapy with antibiotics and closed thoracotomy were performed. 8. The mortality rate was 5.4%, revealing different rate in antibiotic and combined therapy group. noted 8.0% and 4.1% respectively. 9. 27 cases(36.5%) needed 10~20 hospital days.

MeSH Terms

Anti-Bacterial Agents
Child*
Cloxacillin
Daegu
Empyema
Female
Humans
Incidence
Korea
Male
Mortality
Pneumonia
Pneumothorax
Prevalence
Protestantism
Seasons
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Thoracotomy
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Cloxacillin