Pediatric Empyema in the Post-Pandemic Period: Evaluating Changing Trends in Microbiology, Investigations, Fibrinolysis, and Surgical Outcomes

In brief

This retrospective study examines shifts in pediatric empyema management over 8 years, including the 2022-2023 UK invasive group A Streptococcus surge. The analysis evaluates changes in microbial patterns, diagnostic approaches, fibrinolytic therapy, and surgical outcomes in the post-pandemic era.

• Post-pandemic UK saw surge in invasive group A Streptococcus empyema cases during 2022-2023
• 8-year retrospective reveals shifting microbial patterns in pediatric empyema requiring updated treatment protocols
• Study compares fibrinolytic therapy vs surgical outcomes across pre- and post-pandemic cohorts
• Changing disease patterns suggest need to reassess empiric antibiotic coverage for pediatric empyema

Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.