Management of Thoracic Empyema in Children: A Survey of Indian Pediatricians, Pediatric Surgeons, Pulmonologists, and Intensivists.

Background: Empyema thoracis poses a clinical conundrum due to its diverse clinical presentations and management options.

Aims and objectives: The study aimed to investigate the variability in clinical practice across centres and disciplines in the management of empyema in children.

Materials and methods: An online questionnaire focusing on paediatric empyema management was circulated among clinicians in India. Data on demographics, clinical experience, treatment modalities, and intervention indications were collected, and responses were analysed.

Results: The survey amongst 252 participants uncovered notable discrepancies in the viewpoints of pediatricians and pediatric surgeons on the use of fibrinolytic and the indication for video assisted thoracoscopic surgery in pediatric thoracic empyema. While surgeons tended to favour surgical interventions, paediatricians leaned towards conservative management and fibrinolytic therapy.

Conclusion: This study highlights substantial differences in clinical practice and underscores the need for standardized guidelines and interdisciplinary collaboration to optimize patient care and outcomes.