Adult empyema in Zaria, Nigeria.
The clinical records of 41 adult patients who were treated for empyema thoracis at the ABU Hospital, Zaria from 1974 to 1986 have been reviewed. Twenty six (63%) of the patients were younger than 34 years. Bacterial pneumonia, pulmonary tuberculosis and chronic bronchitis were the underlying illnesses in 32 (78%) while advanced malignancies were present in two others. Gram-negative bacilli were as important as the gram-positive cocci as causative agents in the 16 patients whose pleural aspirates were culture-positive. Closed chest tube drainage was most often effective when combined with antibiotics. Overall, 5 patients died, 2 absconded, 34 were discharged home but the default rate from the follow up clinic was high.
Hassan
I
I
Department of Surgery, Princess Royal Hospital, Telford, England.
Mabogunje
O
O
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015984:Causality; D015505:Chest Tubes / Q000592:standards; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D016724:Empyema, Pleural / Q000382:microbiology / Q000401:mortality* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents