Study on pleural effusions due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection

Objectives To find the incidence of pleural effusions among patients with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia.

Design Prospective study

Setting University paediatric unit, Karapitiya, Galle.

Method Patients with pneumonia admitted to university paediatric unit from November 1998 to October 1999 were included. Pleural effusions were confirmed either radiologically or by ultrasound examination. Large pleural effusions causing respiratory distress or persistent effusions were aspirated.

Results There were 133 patients with pneumonia. 24 children (14 boys, 10 girls) had Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia. All but one were above 4 years of age. Four of the 24 children had pleural effusions. Two effusions were aspirated and were found to be exudates.

Conclusions Mycoplasma pneumoniae should be considered an aetological agent in pleural effusions especially when associated with lobar pneumonia

Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health, 2005; 34: 5-6
(Key words: Pleural effusion, Mycoplasma pneumoniae)

doi: 10.4038/sljch.v34i1.562