Abstract

CLINICAL PROFILE AND OUTCOME OF CHILDREN WITH PLEURAL EFFUSION.

Dr. Sudhir Mehta*

ABSTRACT

Background: Pleural effusion is a common and at times life threatening infection of pleural cavity. The microbiological profile of organisms causing pleural effusion is always evolving; hence it needs constant surveillance to decide upon the antibiotic regimen and also the treatment protocol. Objective: is to evaluate the etiology, clinical profile and outcome of children with Pleural effusion. Material and methods: A total 30 admitted patients of Pleural effusion between the age of 6 months to 12 years during the period from 2014 to 2015 were included in study. A thorough history followed by clinical examination was done. Finally all enrolled patient underwent CXR and blood investigations and pleural fluid analysis were done. Results: Male to female distribution was 18:12. Most (63.75%) patients belonged to 1-5 year age group. Fever (95%) was most common presenting symptom followed by cough and breathlessness in 92% and 83% respectively. Bilateral involvement seen in 8.5% and 7% had H/O of Koch’s contact. 18% had hydro-pneumothorax on CXR. Pleural fluid culture and blood culture were positive in 20% and Staphylococcus aureus being the commonest organism isolated from both. Intravenous Amoxyclav was most the common antibiotic used at presentation in 70.5%. A total 25% patient required more than 21 days of IV antibiotics.60% patients required second antibiotic in view of non-improvement with ceftriaxone was most common antibiotic used in these cases. Conclusion: Treating unit should review antibiotic policy periodically based on culture report and clinical outcome.

Keywords: Pleural effusion, Clinical outcome, IV antibiotic.