Spontaneous pneumothorax in children—a review of 95 cases

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Abstract
We reviewed the records of 95 consecutive patients with spontaneous pneumothorax. The children, 75 boys and 20 girls, ranged in age from newborn to 12 years. The average duration of symptoms, cough, chest pain and breathlessness, was 5 days. Pyogenic lung infection (74·8%) and pulmonary tuberculosis (21%) were the commonest underlying causes of pneumothorax. All children underwent tube thoracostomy drainage along with supportive treatment. Five died owing to severe infection present at the time of admission. Except for the five (5·21%) who died, all children (94·79%) had full relief of pneumothorax. We conclude that pyogenic pulmonary infection and pulmonary tuberculosis are still the commonest causes of pneumothorax in the tropics. Tube thoracostomy drainage is very successful and thoracotomy in selected patients is safe.

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