When should parapneumonic pleural effusions be drained in children?. (March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bueno Fischer, Gilberto; Teresinha Mocelin, Helena; Feijó Andrade, Cistiano; Sarria, Edgar E.
• Is Part Of: Paediatric respiratory reviews. Volume 26(2018)
• Page Start: 27
• Page End: 30
• Publication Date: 2018-03
• Subjects: Parapneumonic effusion -- Light's criteria -- Management -- Drainage; Pediatric respiratory diseases -- Periodicals; Respiratory organs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Respiratory Tract Diseases -- Periodicals; Respiratory Therapy -- Periodicals; Child -- Periodicals; Appareil respiratoire -- Infections, chez l'enfant -- Périodiques; Appareil respiratoire -- Maladies, chez l'enfant -- Périodiques; 618.922
• DOI: 10.1016/j.prrv.2017.05.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1526-0542

Abstract

Abstract: Pneumonia is an important health problem in children, and parapneumonic pleural effusion (PPE) is a frequent complication. There is no standard strategy for treating PPE, reflected in the few international guidelines that have been published on the issue. Compared to adults, there is no consensus on the utility of pleural fluid analysis in paediatric PPE. This is because of the lack of good evidence either in favour or against it and the risks of procedural sedation for acquiring pleural fluid for analysis to guide management. In this paper we provide a succinct review of the different approaches to the management of PPE, including diagnosis, pleural fluid analysis (Light's criteria) and treatment, both medical and surgical.