RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Update on the causes, investigation and management of empyema in childhood
JF Archives of Disease in Childhood
JO Arch Dis Child
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
SP 482
OP 488
DO 10.1136/adc.2009.165357
VO 96
IS 5
A1 Woolf Walker
A1 Robert Wheeler
A1 Julian Legg
YR 2011
UL http://adc.bmj.com/content/96/5/482.abstract
AB Despite being recognised for over two millennia and having an increasing incidence in many countries, the management of childhood empyema remains controversial. This review examines the recent literature on its causes and investigation then focuses on its treatment. Following a trial of appropriate intravenous antibiotics, the evidence would currently support the use of chest drain insertion with urokinase instillation as first line treatment with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery to be used for failure of medical management. A treatment algorithm is proposed to guide clinical practice.