Determine the Clinical Presentation and Outcomes of Thoracostomy in Children with Complicated Pneumonia

Abstract

Objective: To examine the clinical presentation and outcomes of thoracostomy in patients presented with complicated pneumonia. Study Design: Descriptive/Observational Place and Duration of Study: Department of Paediatric Surgery, DHQ Teaching Hospital Sahiwal from 1st January 2019 to 31st December 2020. Methodology: Fifty patients of both genders with ages 0 to 12 years presented with complicated pneumonia were included. All the patients received chest tube intubation. Outcomes of thoracostomy were examined. Radiological examination was done. Results: Thirty eight (76%) patients were males while 24% were females. Majority of patients 64% were ages less than 5 years. Fever, cough, shortness of breath and chest pain were the common symptoms. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common causative factor found in 56% cases followed by streptococcus in 24% cases. 84% cases were successfully removed chest tube. Recollection found in 8% cases, pneumothorax found in 4% patients and 4% patients had pneumatocele. Conclusion: Chest tube intubation was the safe and effective treatment modality for complicated pneumonia with fewer rates of complications. Keywords: Complicated pneumonia, Thoracostomy, Empyema, Pneumothorax, Outcomes