Pleural empyema in a newborn infant. An unusual cause of respiratory distress.

In a 2-day-old baby with symptoms of respiratory distress a right-sided pleural empyema caused by haemolytic streptococci was found. Possible sources of infection are discussed. The mother had purulent discharge from a tooth a few weeks before delivery, and this may have been the focus. The baby was treated with pleural drainage and ampicillin with good result.