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

• 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: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 10.4081/pmc.2017.131; 0391-5387; 2420-7748
• Keywords: Pleural empyema; Management; Challenge; Paediatric; Low income country; Pediatrics; RJ1-570; Surgery; RD1-811
• Source: La Pediatria Medica e Chirurgica, Vol 39, Iss 2 (2017)

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.