TY - JOUR T1 - Managing empyema in adults JF - Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin JO - Drug Ther Bull SP - 17 LP - 21 DO - 10.1136/dtb.2006.44317 VL - 44 IS - 3 A2 - , Y1 - 2006/03/01 UR - http://dtb.bmj.com/content/44/3/17.abstract N2 - 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. ER -