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.