Empyema is a recognised complication of bacterial pneumonia in children. It is a very different disease compared to that seen in adults as mortality is very rare, but it is associated with significant morbidity. The management of empyema in children is largely dependent on local centre expertise and physician bias as there are limited studies to guide best management. Recent properly controlled studies have attempted to address this. Fortunately, whichever treatment approach a physician chooses, the clinical outcome is usually excellent. This review summarises the causes, diagnostic issues and different management options available for a child with empyema.
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