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Paediatric thoracic empyema in the tropical North Queensland region of Australia: Epidemiological trends over a decade
Author(s) -
Gautam Anil,
Wiseman Gregory G,
Goodman Marika L,
Ahmedpour Simon,
Lindsay Daniel,
Heyer Adele,
Stalewski Harry,
Norton Robert E,
White Andrew V
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of paediatrics and child health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.631
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1440-1754
pISSN - 1034-4810
DOI - 10.1111/jpc.13853
Subject(s) - medicine , epidemiology , incidence (geometry) , pediatrics , referral , empyema , population , streptococcus pneumoniae , confidence interval , retrospective cohort study , surgery , family medicine , environmental health , physics , biology , bacteria , optics , genetics
Aim The Townsville Hospital and Health Service is the regional referral centre for children in the north of Queensland. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) people make up 7–10% of the population. Increasing numbers of children with paediatric thoracic empyema (pTE) are being referred to Townsville Hospital and Health Service for management. This study aims to describe the incidence rates, epidemiology, microbiology and trends of this disease in North Queensland over a 10‐year period. Methods A retrospective chart review of all children (1 month to 16 years), admitted in the years 2007–2016, with community‐acquired pTE was conducted. International Classification of Diseases codes were used to identify the patients. Epidemiological and microbiological data were extracted from records. Results Of the 123 cases identified, incidence rates per 100 000 were 8.5 (95% confidence interval (CI) 8.4–8.6) in all children and much higher at 19.8 (95% CI: 19.5–21.9) in ATSI children. The under 5 years age group had the highest rate (24.5; 95% CI: 24.4–24.6). There was a progressive rise in incidence during the 10‐year period, with the highest incidence of 15.2 (95% CI: 15.1–15.2) occurring in 2016. A pathogen was isolated in 76% of cases. Non‐multi‐resistant methicillin‐resistant S taphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen isolated in 22 of 64 ATSI children (34%), while Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most common pathogen isolated in 27 of 59 non‐ATSI children (46%). Conclusions A high and increasing incidence of pTE in North Queensland is being observed. ATSI children have higher incidence rates and are more likely to have non‐multi‐resistant methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus as a causative agent.