Observational studyPediatric surgery international2025
Treatment outcomes in pediatric empyema: a retrospective observational study from a tertiary center in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Observational study in Pediatric surgery international, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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9 authors.
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Abstract
purposeTo evaluate real-world effectiveness of intrapleural fibrinolysis versus drainage alone or surgery, and to identify factors linked to prolonged hospitalisation in children with pleural empyema at a tertiary centre. We also aimed to provide regional baseline data to guide future care.
methodsWe retrospectively reviewed records for all patients aged ≤ 14 years treated for pleural empyema et al. Jalila Children's Specialty Hospital, Dubai, from January 2021 to December 2024. Demographics, imaging, treatments, antibiotic use, and in-hospital outcomes were abstracted and summarised descriptively.
resultsThirty-five children (median age 4 years; 54% female) were included. All underwent ultrasound-guided tube thoracostomy, and 30 (86%) also received intrapleural alteplase. Four children needed surgical decortication and 1 child with lymphoma died. Median tube drainage was 6 days with fibrinolysis versus 8 days without. Median hospital stay was 11 days with fibrinolysis, 27 days without, and 13.5 days after surgery. Hospitalisation ≥ 15 days correlated with older age, omission of fibrinolysis, use of ≥ 4 antibiotics, and computed tomography imaging. No serious drug-related adverse events occurred.
conclusionPrompt tube thoracostomy combined with intrapleural alteplase is a safe, effective, and resource-efficient first-line therapy for paediatric empyema, shortening hospital stay and markedly reducing the need for surgery.
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