Pleural empyema in a newborn infant. An unusual cause of respiratory distress.
In a 2-day-old baby with symptoms of respiratory distress a right-sided pleural empyema caused by haemolytic streptococci was found. Possible sources of infection are discussed. The mother had purulent discharge from a tooth a few weeks before delivery, and this may have been the focus. The baby was treated with pleural drainage and ampicillin with good result.
D004653:Empyema / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007232:Infant, Newborn, Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology*; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000150:complications*; D013297:Streptococcus pyogenes