[Pulmonary abscess: a 111-case series in Madagascar]

Med Trop (Mars). 2011 Oct;71(5):454-6.
[Article in French]

Abstract

The purpose of this report is to present a series of 111 cases of pulmonary abscess observed over a 4-year period in Madagascar. There were 75 men (67.6%) and 36 women (32.4%) with a mean age of 38 years. Alcohol and tobacco use was found in 32.2% of cases. Thirteen patients (11.7%) used chewing tobacco and all patients were exposed to passive smoking. Eighty-eight patients (79.2%) had a history of bronchopulmonary disorders. Onset was progressive in 63% of cases. The main symptoms were fever (81.9%), pulmonary condensation (74.7%) and pleurisy (9.9%). Coughing was productive in 91.8% cases including 54% of patients having muco-purulent expectorations. In 49 patients (44.1%), chest radiography showed an opacity with a hydroaeric level. The abscess was solitary in 40 cases, multiple in 9, and bilateral in 5. In-hospital antibiotherapy was performed on a presumptive basis: tritherapy in 92 patients (82.9%), bitherapy in 18 (16.2%) and monotherapy in one (0.9%). Other treatment modalities inculuded respiratory kinesitherapy in 57 cases (51.3%), surgical drainage in four (3.6%) and pneumonectomy in one (0.9%). Outcome was favorable in 93 cases (8,7%) but there were 18 deaths (16.2%). This study emphasizes the value of achieving early diagnosis, identifying supporting factors and starting appropriate treatment promptly.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Drainage
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung Abscess / diagnosis*
  • Lung Abscess / epidemiology
  • Lung Abscess / therapy*
  • Madagascar / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies
  • Radiography, Thoracic
  • Respiratory Therapy
  • Risk Factors
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents