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.
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