Abstract
Lower respiratory infectious diseases are an important cause of morbidity-mortality in Uruguay. The parapneumonic empyema occurred in 15% of admissions for pneumonia at the Pereira Rossell Hospital Centre (PRHC).
Objective: To identify risk factors for pleural empyema in children aged between 1 month and 5 years with community acquired pneumonia (CAP) admitted to hospital.
Hypothesis: The delay in diagnosis increases the risk of pleural empyema two-fold. Secondary hypothesis, previous medical visits and use of antibiotics increase the risk of empyema.
Methods: An observational, prospective cohort study was carried out on children admitted to the PRHC with a diagnosis of CAP. Symptoms duration, antibiotic use and previous medical visits were noted, and patients followed up until discharge.
Results: Of 201 children, 104 had a delayed diagnosis of CAP, 152 were repeated seen, and 36 had previous antibiotics. 70 developed pleural empyema. The delayed diagnosis increased the risk of empyema by 1,9 (CI 95% 1,3-2,9). Previous medical visits or the use of antibiotics increased the risk.
Conclusions: Delayed diagnosis of CAP increased the risk of empyema by as much as 2,9 times normal. The early appreciation of these signs and symptoms may decrease the risk of this complication.
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Copyright (c) 2004 Revista Chilena de Pediatría