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BMC Pediatrics
Published in: BMC Pediatrics 1/2021

Open Access 01-12-2021 | Coronavirus | Case report

Management of pleural empyema in a 12-year-old obese patient with COVID-19: a pediatric case report

Authors: Reza Abbasi, Farnaz Sadat Javanmardi, Ahmad Mokhtari, Parisa Hosseinpour, Reza Shahriarirad, Kamyar Ebrahimi

Published in: BMC Pediatrics | Issue 1/2021

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Abstract

Background

With the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, along with the development of new mutations of the virus and an increase in the number of cases among pediatrics, physicians should be aware and alerted on the atypical presentations of the disease, especially in less expected individuals.

Case presentation

Here we present a 12-year-old obese boy (BMI = 37.5 kg/m2) who presented with empyema, which was following SARS-CoV-2 infection. The patient had no history of fever. Due to the onset of dyspnea, a chest tube was inserted for him which was later altered to a pleural drainage needle catheter.

Conclusion

Our case is the first report of COVID-19 presenting as empyema among pediatrics. Pleural empyema should be considered as a rare complication of COVID-19. Since there is still no guideline in the management of empyema in the context of COVID-19, delay in diagnosis and intervention may cause morbidity and mortality in children.
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Metadata
Title
Management of pleural empyema in a 12-year-old obese patient with COVID-19: a pediatric case report
Authors
Reza Abbasi
Farnaz Sadat Javanmardi
Ahmad Mokhtari
Parisa Hosseinpour
Reza Shahriarirad
Kamyar Ebrahimi
Publication date
01-12-2021
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Pediatrics / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2431
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-021-03007-1

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