Pediatric pleural empyema: one of the management challenges in children of Democratic Republic of Congo

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...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Kibwe Alphonse Simbi (Author), Valentin Kazadi (Author), Louis-Marie Aissi (Author), François Mbahewaka Katsuva (Author), Numbi Oscar Luboya (Author), Léon Tshilolo (Author), Vincenzo Zanardo (Author)
Format: Book
Published: PAGEPress Publications, 2017-06-01T00:00:00Z.
Subjects:
Online Access:Connect to this object online.
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary: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.
Item Description:10.4081/pmc.2017.131
0391-5387
2420-7748