Pleural empyema in infants and children: analysis of 298 cases.

Of 298 infants and children with empyema thoracis seen, 62 percent were under 2 years of age. The majority of the cases had underlying pulmonary infection, and Staphylococcus aureus was dominant among the organisms isolated. The diagnosis was made in all cases on the basis of chest x-ray films and thoracentesis. Full expansion of the lung and resolution of the underlying pneumonia occurred on administration of appropriate antibiotics and catheter drainage in all cases except in two patients who had decortication. The mortality rate was 5 percent; delayed presentation and suboptimal prehospitalization antibiotics influenced the morbidity.