Pediatric Pleural Empyema: Disease Complexity, Contemporary Management, and Future Research Priorities

Background

Pediatric pleural empyema remains a major complication of community-acquired pneumonia despite vaccination and advances in minimally invasive treatment. This narrative review summarizes current evidence on etiology and microbiology, diagnosis and imaging, antimicrobial therapy, supportive care, pleural drainage, fibrinolysis, surgery, complications, and short- and long-term outcomes.

Methods