Write about Empyema here.

• Presence of pus in the pleural cavity

• Can occur from a parapneumonic effusion, with secondary infection of the effusion

• If the parapneumonic effusion has a ph <7.1 there is a high risk of empyema formation -> early tube drainage

• Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus milleri and anaerobic orgaisms (e.g. Bacteroides) all can give rise to an empyema

• Particularly associated with aspiration pneumonia

• TB can also cause pleural effusion and empyema

Treatment:

• ABx treatment (often amoxycillin and metronidazole - adjust with regard to the microbiology)

• Key treatment is DRAINAGE OF PUS