Abstract

Introduction: Intercostal drainage (ICD) tubes are indicated to drain clinically
undesired substances such as air, excess fluid, blood, chyle or pus from the intrathoracic
space. There are very few studies on pediatric patients managed with intercostal
drainage tube insertion for different indications.
Aims: To study the clinico-epidemiological profile, indications, complications and
outcomes of pediatric patients admitted in Pediatric Intensive care unit who were
managed with ICD tube insertion.
Material and Methods: Records of pediatric patients from Pediatric intensive care unit
(PICU) of Shyam Shah Medical college Madhya Pradesh during a period of one year i e
from July 2020 to June 2021 was collected and analysed prospectively.
Results: a total 25 patients were included in the study (male:female= 1.27:1; mean age
4.9± 3.7 years). Common clinical presentation of the patients were fever (n=18, 72%)
followed by fast breathing (n=11, 44%). Mean duration of stay was 18.7±11.7 days.
Common indications for ICD tube were pyothorax (n=8, 32%), pyopneumothorax,
empyema and pneumothorax (n=4, 16% each). 80 % cases were unilateral and 28%
required blood transfusion and inotropes for shock. Most common pathogen isolated
from cultures was staphylococcus aureus (>75%). 11 patients were started with
antitubercular treatment. In our study the mortality was 24%.
Conclusion: In this study, Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism
isolated from culture whereas 44% cases were treated with antitubercular treatment
that reflects how common tubercular pleural effusions are in pediatric age group in this
area. Early diagnosis and treatment is the key of management. More extensive studies
are required in this topic of interest.