Long-term sequelae after lung abscess in children - Two tertiary centers' experience.

AIM

The aim of the study was to describe the epidemiology and clinical characteristic of children hospitalized with pneumonia complicated by lung abscess, as well as to evaluate the long-term sequelae of the disease.

METHODS

A retrospective review of medical records of all patients treated for pulmonary abscess in two tertiary centers was undertaken. Pulmonary function tests and lung ultrasound were performed at a follow-up.

RESULTS

During the study period, 5151 children with pneumonia were admitted, and 49 (0.95%) cases were complicated with lung abscess. In 38 (77.5%) patients, lung abscess was treated solely with antibiotics, and in nine cases (16.3%) surgically. In 21 (51.21%) children complete radiological regression was documented. The mean time for radiological abnormalities regression was 84.14 ± 51.57 days, regardless of the treatment mode. Fifteen patients were followed up at 61.6 ± 28.3 months after discharge. Lung ultrasound revealed minor residual abnormalities: pleural thickening, subpleural consolidations and line B artefacts in 11 (73.3%) children. Pulmonary function tests results were abnormal in eight (53.3%) patients, the most frequent abnormality being hyperinflation. We did not find a restrictive disorder in any of the children. There were no deaths in our study.

CONCLUSIONS

Lung abscess is a rare but severe complication of pneumonia in children. Most children recover uneventfully with no significant long-term pulmonary sequelae.