Caracterización clínico-epidemiológica del derrame pleural como complicación de neumonía bacteriana en menores a 15 años, en el Hospital del Niño Dr. Francisco de Icaza Bustamante, periodo 2022- 2023.

Abstract

Introduction: pleural effusion in children is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural space as a result of complicated pneumonia, constitutes a clinical challenge due to its diverse etiologies and associated risk factors. In the Hospital del Niño Dr. Francisco De Icaza Bustamante, the incidence of this condition has been relevant, but the specific characterization in children under 15 years of age has not been widely studied. Objective: to characterize the clinical-epidemiological variables of pleural effusion as a complication of bacterial pneumonia in children under 15 years of age attended at this Hospital during 2022-2023. Materials and methods: a retrospective observational study was carried out, where the medical records of 40 patients under 15 years of age diagnosed with pleural effusion were analyzed. Clinical, epidemiological and laboratory data were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. Results: many cases were found to occur in children under 5 years of age, with a higher incidence during the summer. The most frequent comorbidities were prematurity and previous antibiotic use, both associated with increased severity of illness. Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus were the predominant etiological agents, underlining the importance of early diagnosis. Conclusions: the results confirm that the clinical-epidemiological profile of pleural effusion in this population is significantly influenced by age, comorbidities and seasonal factors. These findings highlight the need to develop specific preventive and management strategies tailored to the characteristics of this vulnerable population to improve clinical outcomes and reduce morbidity and mortality associated with pleural effusion in children.