Lung abscess in children

Abstract

Lung abscess is an uncommon but challenging condition to manage. Predisposing factors including pulmonary aspiration and impaired mucociliary defense mechanisms increase the likelihood of developing a secondary lung abscess. Aspirating anaerobic organisms from the mouth leading to pneumonia and a secondary lung abscess is more likely to be seen in children with neuro-cognitive impairment. The more likely anaerobic organisms include Peptostreptococcus species, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Prevotella melaninogenica. These organisms may be difficult to isolate without specific anaerobic transport vials and culture media. The rise of interventional radiology, higher positive culture results, better targeted antibiotic regimes and a greater awareness of hospital acquired pathogens have been significant is decreasing the length of hospitalization for children with lung abscesses. The morbidity and mortality for lung abscess in children is vastly superior to that in adult patients because of the lack of co-morbidities in the pediatric population.