# Clinical presentation and management outcomes of pediatric lung abscess: A retrospective cohort study

## TL;DR

This study examines how lung abscesses in healthy children in Jordan are diagnosed and treated, finding that most cases improve with long-term antibiotics and few need surgery.

## Contribution

The study provides new clinical insights into pediatric lung abscess management in healthy children, emphasizing effective antibiotic treatment and low surgical need.

## Key findings

- Most children with lung abscess showed systemic symptoms like fever and hypoactivity.
- Prolonged antibiotic therapy resolved abscesses in 91% of cases without surgery.
- Only 8.7% of patients required ICU care, and 4.3% needed surgical intervention.

## Abstract

Pediatric lung abscess is an uncommon but potentially serious complication of pneumonia. Limited data exists on its clinical features, diagnostic workup, and outcomes in otherwise healthy children.

To describe the clinical characteristics, management strategies, and outcomes of children diagnosed and treated for lung abscess in Jordan.

We conducted a retrospective descriptive study of 23 pediatric patients diagnosed with and managed for lung abscess in Jordan. Data collected included demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, laboratory findings, treatment regimens, and outcomes.

The mean age was 7.2 years (SD 3.1), with 60.9% male and no underlying chronic diseases in any patient. Systemic symptoms such as fever (91%) and hypoactivity (91%) were common. Cough was reported in 87% of cases, with varying patterns (dry, wet, or both). Imaging confirmed that 56.5% of abscesses were located in the left lung and 43.5% in the right lung. TB was systematically excluded using PPD and PCR testing. All patients received initial broad-spectrum antibiotics; 87% required escalation to include piperacillin–tazobactam combined with aminoglycoside (either amikacin or gentamicin). The mean duration of antibiotic use was 4.8 weeks. Only one patient (4.3%) underwent surgical intervention, and two patients (8.7%) required ICU care. Follow-up imaging 1–2 weeks after completion of therapy showed full resolution in 91% of cases.

Pediatric lung abscess in otherwise healthy children presents with significant systemic and respiratory symptoms but responds well to prolonged, escalated antibiotic therapy. Conservative management is effective in the majority of cases, with excellent clinical and radiological outcomes and low surgical intervention rates.