Socioeconomic Disparities Affecting the Presentation and Outcomes in Pediatric Subdural Empyema Patients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Pediatric subdural empyemas (SDE) carry significant morbidity and mortality, and prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to ensure optimal outcomes. Nonclinical factors affect presentation, time to diagnosis, and outcomes in several neurosurgical conditions and are potential causes of delay in presentation and treatment for patients with SDE. To evaluate whether socioeconomic status, race, and insurance status affect presentation, time to diagnosis, and outcomes for children with subdural empyema.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study with patients diagnosed with SDE between 2005 and 2020 at our institution. Information regarding demographics (age, sex, zip code, insurance status, race/ethnicity) and presentation (symptoms, number of prior visits, duration of symptoms) was collected. Outcome measures included mortality, postoperative complications, length of stay, and discharge disposition.

RESULTS

42 patients were diagnosed with SDE with a mean age of 9.5 years. Most (85.7%) (n = 36) were male ( P = .0004), and a majority, 28/42 (66.7%), were African American ( P < .0001). There was no significant difference in socioeconomic status based on zip codes, although a significantly higher number of patients were on public insurance ( P = .015). African American patients had a significantly longer duration of symptoms than their Caucasian counterparts (8.4 days vs 1.8 days P = .0316). In total, 41/42 underwent surgery for the SDE, most within 24 hours of initial neurosurgical evaluation. There were no significant differences in the average length of stay. The average length of antibiotic duration was 57.2 days and was similar for all patients. There were no significant differences in discharge disposition based on any of the factors identified with most of the patients (52.4%) being discharged to home. There was 1 mortality (2.4%).

CONCLUSION

Although there were no differences in outcomes based on nonclinical factors, African American men on public insurance bear a disproportionately high burden of SDE. Further investigation into the causes of this is warranted.

Pediatric intracranial empyema complicating otogenic and sinogenic infection

OBJECTIVE

To describe and compare clinical and microbiological features, surgical and medical management, and outcomes of children with otogenic and sinogenic intracranial empyema (IE) in an institution with an established multidisciplinary protocol. To use the study findings to inform and update the institutional algorithm.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis was carried out on the electronic healthcare records of all children with oto-sinogenic IE admitted in a 5-year period.

RESULTS

A total of 76 patients were identified and treated according to an institutional protocol. Two distinct groups were identified: intracranial empyema related to otogenic infection (OI-IE, n = 36) or sinogenic infection (SI-IE, n = 40). SI-IE was seen in older children and had a significantly higher morbidity. Sub-dural IE was seen in a minority (n = 16) and only in SI-IE and required urgent collaborative ENT-neurosurgery. Extra-dural IE occurred more frequently and was seen in both SI-IE and OI-IE. No death and overall low morbidity were observed. Particularities found in SI-IE and OI-IE groups (as thrombosis, microbiology, antibiotic treatment, duration and outcome) permitted the delineation of these groups in our updated algorithm.

CONCLUSION

The presence of a collaborative multidisciplinary protocol permits the step-wise co-ordination of care for these complex patients in our institution. All patients received prompt imaging, urgent surgical intervention, and antibiotic treatment. Microbiological identification was possible for each patient and antibiotic rationalization was permitted through use of Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing in cases of sterile cultures. Of note, intracranial empyema related to sinogenic infection is shown to have significantly more severe clinical presentation, a higher morbidity, and a longer duration of antibiotic therapy than that related to otogenic infection. Study findings allowed for the update and clarification of the institutional protocol, which now clearly demarcates the clinical presentation, biological evidence, radiology, surgical and medical treatments in children with oto-sinogenic IE.

Microbiology and epidemiology of brain abscess and subdural empyema in a medical center: a 10-year experience

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Brain abscess and subdural empyema are the 2 most common forms of intracranial pyogenic infections. Predisposing factors and etiological agents may change with time. This study examined the epidemiological features of these conditions.

METHODS

The medical records of all inpatients with a diagnosis of brain abscess or subdural empyema from 1998 to 2007 were reviewed. The diagnosis was confirmed by imaging study or operative findings.

RESULTS

151 episodes of brain abscess were diagnosed in 150 patients, and 10 patients had subdural empyema. The incidence of brain abscess fluctuated over time, while that of subdural empyema remained stable. The mean +/- standard deviation age of patients with brain abscess was significantly greater than that of patients with subdural empyema (48.5 +/- 19 years vs 25.4 +/- 24 years; p = 0.004). The number of patients with hematogenous brain abscess increased from 7 in 1998 to 2002 to 19 in 2003 to 2007, while that of those with infection related to operation decreased from 10 to 5. Most subdural empyema was related to bacterial meningitis (4 of 10). Etiological agents were identified in 53% of brain abscesses, including Enterobacteriaceae spp. (21.3%), Streptococcus spp. (20%), and mixed pathogens (17.5%). Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most common enteric bacteria isolated (15.3%), especially in patients with diabetes mellitus, but was not observed in children younger than 18 years.

CONCLUSIONS

In contrast to western countries, K. pneumoniae plays an important role in intracranial pyogenic infections in Taiwan. The pathogens and routes of infection are different between children and adults.

Paediatric intracranial empyema: differences according to age

No recent studies are available which consider the epidemiology and outcome of paediatric intracranial empyema (PICE). We retrospectively studied all PICE cases admitted in our institution from 1993 to 2006. Outcome was assessed using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) at 24 months. Aetiology, clinical features, therapeutic considerations and risk factors of poor outcome were analysed according to age. Data from 38 patients were studied; 33/38 presented with subdural empyema (SDE) and 5/38 with extradural empyema (EDE); 10/38 were infants <1 year of age with SDE, all related to bacterial meningitis; 28/38 were children, with 23/28 showing SDE and 5/28 EDE. Oto-sinogenic infections were the main causes in children. All infants recovered completely as did children with EDE. However, two out of 23 children with SDE had permanent neurological deficit, already detected on admission, and one out of 23 died. Thirty-three out of 38 were operated; 16 of which underwent multiple surgical procedure because of recurrence. Burr hole was performed in six infants and craniotomy in one, while 21/23 children underwent burr hole or craniotomy. Burr hole was more often associated with recurrence. In children with SDE, factors associated with poor outcome were neurological deficit (p = 0.002) and cerebral herniation on CT scan (p = 0.02) on admission. In this study, we gained further insights into modern epidemiology of PICE by highlighting age-related aetiology, symptoms, treatment strategy, and outcome differences. Meningitis was the main aetiology in the infants and sinusitis was prevalent in children. Finally, early diagnosis by neuro-imaging investigations and timely and appropriate multidisciplinary treatment may offer the best chance of recovery.

[Analysis of subdural intracraneal empyemas in a third level hospital]

INTRODUCTION

Intracranial subdural empyema (ISE) is an infrequent infectious disorder of diverse etiology and difficult to diagnose because of its non-specific clinical features.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective study of patients diagnosed of ISE in a third-level university hospital in a 15-year period.

RESULTS

Five men were included (mean age: 39.3 years). The most frequent primary source of infection was otic and sinusal (60%). The initial clinical manifestations were fever, headache, alteration of consciousness, and neurological focal symptoms. The mean time elapsed between onset of symptoms and diagnosis was 3.6 days. Diagnosis was performed by computed tomography in all patients. ISE was localized in the left hemisphere in 60% of cases mainly affecting the parietal lobe (80%). Anaerobic and streptococci germs were the most frequently isolated microorganisms. Therapy was based on antibiotics and surgical drainage in 100% of the cases. The surgical procedure used in the evacuation of empyema was craniotomy in all the patients. The mean time elapsed between diagnosis and surgery was 8.4 days. The mean Intensive Care Unit stay was 12.8 days, whereas the overall mean in-hospital stay was 45.2 days. Mortality was 40%.

CONCLUSION

ISE, although infrequent, displays a high morbimortality that can be reduced with an early therapeutic approach which may include the surgical evacuation in all the cases.

Subdural empyema in children--20-year experience in a medical center

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Subdural empyema (SDE) is a serious neurological condition in children and adults. Although otorhinolaryngeal infections are regarded as the most important predisposing factors in the literature, this has not been our experience. This study reviewed clinical data on pediatric patients with SDE at our institution over the last 20 years.

METHODS

Charts of children hospitalized in Mackay Memorial Hospital from 1985 to 2005, with a final diagnosis of SDE were reviewed. Gender, predisposing factors, symptoms and signs, bacteriologic data, diagnostic work-up, treatment procedures, and outcome were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

In total, 31 patients were enrolled. Twenty seven of them (87.1%) were below the age of one year. The male-to-female ratio was 1.21. Only 3 patients (9.7%) had prior otorhinolaryngeal infections; 6 patients (19.4%) had SDE following head trauma or surgery. The leading clinical manifestations were fever (96.8%), seizure (70.1%), and focal neurological signs (58.1%). The most common pathogens included Streptococcus pneumoniae (16.1%), group B Streptococcus (12.9%), Haemophilus influenzae type b (12.9%), Salmonella spp. (12.9%), Escherichia coli (9.7%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (9.7%). Cerebrospinal fluid leukocyte counts and protein levels were usually high and the glucose levels were usually low. SDE was first suspected or found via brain sonography in 9 infants. Nine patients (29.0%) received only medical treatment for SDE. Three patients (9.7%) died--all were infected by S. pneumoniae. Twelve patients (38.7%) recovered without neurological sequelae.

CONCLUSIONS

In the past 20 years, most of our cases of pediatric SDE occurred in infancy, and only one-tenth of them had prior otorhinolaryngeal infections. Brain sonography could be a helpful tool for early diagnosis of SDE in infancy.

[Suppurative intracranial infections in Africa]

The purpose of this study was to review recent African literature on suppurative intracranial infection and its implications for neurosurgery. In order of decreasing frequency the main lesions are brain abscess, subdural empyema, and epidural abscess. Despite progress in diagnostic imaging and availability of antibiotic therapy, these lesions still cause disturbingly high morbidity and mortality especially in sub-Saharan Africa where diagnosis is often delayed. The male-to-female ratio was 3.6:1 and 70 to 80% of patients were under the age of 20 years. Spread from the paranasal sinus or ear was the most common mechanism of infection. Hematogenous processes accounted for 22% of cases and the origin was undetermined in 11% to 26% of cases. Staphylococcus aureus and enteric gram-negative bacilli were the most common bacteria identified but cultures were reported as sterile in 30% to 50% of cases. While ultrasonography can be useful in newborns with an open fontanelle, arteriography is often the only feasible procedure for diagnosis in Black Africa. The diagnostic modality of choice is computed tomography which allows precise mapping prior to neurosurgery. Introduction of computed tomography in some African cities has led to a decrease in mortality ranging from 4.7% to 43%. The most effective treatment is a combination of appropriate antimicrobial therapy and surgical decompression of expanding lesions. The main procedures are aspiration through burr holes and craniotomy. Use of this combined strategy requires close cooperation between the neurosurgeon, infectious disease specialist, and microbiologist. Therapeutic indications are discussed within the context of Black Africa.

[Severe orbital cellulitis: therapeutic results in 9 patients and review of the literature]

BACKGROUND

Orbital cellulitis can produce severe neuromeningeal infections. Modern antimicrobial agents such as imipenem can be a valid therapeutical choice.

METHODS

Patients with severe or complicated orbital cellulitis admitted to our hospital from 1986 through 1994 were retrospectively studied.

RESULTS

Nine patients with severe orbital cellulitis, seven of them older than 14 years, are reported. Cellulitis was secondary to different forms of sinusitis in five of them. The incriminated microorganisms were: Streptococcus viridans alone or combined to gram negative bacilli (3 cases), Prevotella melaninogenica and other anaerobes (2 cases), Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus (one case each). Three patients developed brain abscesses, one an acute bacterial meningitis and another a subdural empyema. Eight patients underwent a surgical drainage. Seven patients were treated with IV imipenem at doses of 2-3 g/day with complete cure of the orbital cellulitis and of the associated infectious complications and no secondary effects. Two patients died.

CONCLUSIONS

Imipenem is an effective antibiotic in the combined medical-surgical treatment of the severe or complicated orbital cellulitis.

Surgical treatment of subdural empyema: a critical review

Between 1990 and 1992 six cases of subdural empyema were surgically treated at the Neurosurgical Division of Emergency Department of Cardarelli Hospital in Naples. Three cases were associated with paranasal sinusitis and three cases with otitis media. Headache and fever were the presenting symptoms in all cases; in only two cases they were associated with seizures and altered mental status. CT scans showed convexity low density collections in five cases and multilocalized pus collection in one; concurrent paranasal or mastoid infections were visualized as well. The organisms responsible for the subdural empyema were Peptococcus in four cases, Streptococcus and anaerobius in the other two cases. In five cases surgical treatment consists in pus drainage by selective burr hole and placement of a subdural small silicon tube for local antibiotic therapy. In one case with a loculated diffuse empyema, craniotomy was performed in order to provide a better access to all the localizations. In all cases drainage of the wound and intravenous antibiotic therapy were used. Paranasal sinus drainage or mastoidectomy performed by the otolaryngologist when a localized collection of pus was present, grave a quicker regression of symptoms. A full recover of the original neurological status was achieved in all cases; a 20 months mean followup confirms the results.

Intracranial subdural empyema: burr hole exploration for diagnosis and treatment

An analysis of 19 confirmed cases of subdural empyema treated in our unit during a 29-month period ending in May 1990 revealed that this was a disease of young males (mean age 19.6 yrs: male:female ratio 5:1) that was frequently associated with paranasal sinusitis. We have identified a characteristic symptom complex which when present together with focal neurological deficits makes the diagnosis highly probable. This consists of fever, headache, altered level of consciousness and frontal scalp swelling. In a practice setting where neuroradiological confirmation of the diagnosis is not always practicable, this clinical syndrome is helpful and should prompt early burr hole exploration of the subdural space. The only deaths (2 patients; 11%) occurred in patients who presented in coma. The remaining were either normal (6 patients) or continued to improve after treatment, which consisted of multiple burr hole drainage, broad spectrum antimicrobial treatment and eradication of the source of infection.