Fifteen-minute consultation: A structured approach to children with parapneumonic effusion and empyema thoracis.
Arch Dis Child Educ Pract Ed
; 108(2): 86-90, 2023 04.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-34772669
ABSTRACT
Parapneumonic effusion is defined as the accumulation of pleural fluid associated with lung infection/pneumonia. Parapneumonic effusions can be uncomplicated or complicated. They are caused by the spread of infection and inflammation to the pleural space, and can develop into empyema thoracis-frank pus in the pleural space. Chest radiograph and thoracic ultrasound are the key imaging modalities for the diagnosis of parapneumonic effusion. Management aims are reducing inflammation and bacteria in the pleural cavity, and enabling full lung expansion. Broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics, with the addition of chest tube drainage and fibrinolytic therapy for larger collections, are the mainstays of management. This article provides a clear, evidence-based and structured approach to the assessment and management of parapneumonic effusion/empyema thoracis in children and young people.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Pleural Effusion
/
Empyema, Pleural
Limits:
Adolescent
/
Child
/
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
Arch Dis Child Educ Pract Ed
Journal subject:
PEDIATRIA
Year:
2023
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Reino Unido