Review ArticleThe diagnosis and management of empyema in children: a comprehensive review from the APSA Outcomes and Clinical Trials Committee
Section snippets
Methods
The APSA Outcomes and Clinical Trials Committee approved 8 questions that are salient to the management of pediatric empyema to address for this review. Literature searches were performed in English using Medline, PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE and pertinent Cochrane reviews. Search terms were chosen by the author assigned to the specific section by utilizing multiple terms relevant to the topic addressed. Reference lists of relevant manuscripts were used to identify other relevant contributions.
Summary
This review summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding the management of parapneumonic effusion and empyema. Ultrasound should be the initial and primary imaging modality with CT reserved for more complicated cases such as determination of parenchymal disease and lung abscess (grade C). Pleural space fluid should be considered for evacuation with large effusions, effusions associated with loculations, and in moderate sized effusions in patients who fail to progress or have worsening
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