PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
ED  - ,
TI  - Managing empyema in adults
AID  - 10.1136/dtb.2006.44317
DP  - 2006 Mar 01
TA  - Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin
PG  - 17--21
VI  - 44
IP  - 3
4099  - http://dtb.bmj.com/content/44/3/17.short
4100  - http://dtb.bmj.com/content/44/3/17.full
SO  - Drug Ther Bull2006 Mar 01; 44
AB  - A collection of pus in the pleural space (empyema) is a dangerous condition that is usually a complication of pneumonia. Empyema can be associated with a delayed response of pneumonia to antibacterial treatment.1 It can lead to septicaemia, disseminated abscesses and prolonged hospitalisation.1–3 Reported mortality rates are typically 7-33%,2–6 but may exceed 50% in elderly patients or those with significant comorbidity, such as malignancy, diabetes mellitus or alcohol abuse.3,5,7 Here we review the management of adults with empyema.