Open AccessPediatric pleural empyema: one of the management challenges in children of Democratic Republic of Congo
Author(s) -
Kibwe Alphonse Simbi,
Valentin Kazadi,
Louis-Marie Aissi,
François Mbahewaka Katsuva,
Numbi Oscar Luboya,
Léon Tshilolo,
Vincenzo Zanardo
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
pediatria medica e chirurgica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.336
H-Index - 16
eISSN - 2420-7748
pISSN - 0391-5387
DOI - 10.4081/pmc.2017.131
Subject(s) - medicine , empyema , pleural effusion , complication , respiratory distress , intensive care medicine , surgery , general surgery
Empyema is a serious complication characterized by purulent exudate and bacteria in the pleural space, which may progress to necrosis, cavitations or fistulas in the thoracic cavity. It remains a major challenge throughout low-income countries. Objectives were to emphasize the role of basic medical and radiologic approach and to resolve a severe lung complication when facilities are inadequate. A five-year-old female was referred with distress respiratory to the Emergency Unit of Monkole, a large public-private missionary hospital in Kinshasa, Congo. Chest X-ray showed a massive empyema that was resolved by immediate drainage and antibiotiocs. Results were rapid improvement and discharge after 3 weeks. A classic medical and imaging approach is a winning return in low-income countries. According to the British Thoracic Society guidelines, pleural effusion with compromising respiratory function can be managed by drainage and antibiotics