Surveillance of Pediatric Parapneumonic Effusion/Empyema in New Zealand.

Abstract

<h4>Aim</h4>The incidence of childhood empyema has been increasing in some developed countries despite the introduction of pneumococcal vaccination. This study aimed to document the incidence, bacterial pathogens, and morbidity/mortality of parapneumonic effusion/empyema in New Zealand.<h4>Methods</h4>A prospective study of 102 children <15 years of age requiring hospitalization with parapneumonic effusion/empyema between 1-May-2014 and 31-May-2016 notified via the New Zealand Paediatric Surveillance Unit. Parapneumonic effusion/empyema was defined as pneumonia and pleural effusion persisting ≥7 days, and/or any pneumonia, and pleural effusion necessitating drainage. Notifying pediatricians completed standardized questionnaires.<h4>Results</h4>Annual pediatric parapneumonic effusion/empyema incidence was 5.6/100,000 (95%CI 4.7-6.9). Most children (80%) required surgical intervention and 31% required intensive care. A causative organism was identified in 71/102 (70%) cases. Although Staphylococcus aureus (25%) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (25%) infection rates were similar, prolonged hospitalization, and intensive care admission was more common in children with S. aureus. Māori and Pasifika children were over-represented at 2.2 and 3.5 times, their representation in the NZ pediatric population. Pneumococcal vaccination was incomplete, with only 61% fully immunized and 30% unimmunized. Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine uptake was near complete at 89/94 (95%), with influenza immunization only 3/78 (4%).<h4>Conclusions</h4>New Zealand has a high incidence of pediatric complicated parapneumonic effusion/empyema with significant morbidity. S. aureus was a significant cause of severe empyema in New Zealand, particularly for Māori and Pasifika children. Improvements in vaccine coverage are needed along with strategies to reduce S. aureus disease morbidity. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.