All issues > Volume 10(8); 1967

Original Article

J Korean Pediatr Soc. 1967;10(8):417-422. Published online August 31, 1967.

Clinical Observations of Pleurisy with Effusion and Effects of Prednisolone in Therapy

Dong Gwan Han¹, Se Joo Kang¹, Ki Joon Kim¹, Kyung Ja Cho¹, Duk Jin Yun¹

¹Department of Pediatrics College of Medicine,Yonsei University

Abstract

We observed 34 cases who were admitted to Severance Hospital in order to evaluate the efficacy of prednisolone for the treatment of pleurisy wth effusion during the period of 9 years from May, 1956 to April, 1965. Effusion occurred most commonly in the spring, least often in the autumn. Boys were affected somewhat more frequently than girls. Most of the cases of pleurisy occurred in the five to seven years age group. There was a contact history of tuberculosis in 8 (23%) of 34 cases. All of the cases had positive tuberculin test. Effusions occurred on the right side slightly more often than on the left and 2 cases on the both sides. Clinical findings showed fever, cough, dyspnea and chest pain with dullness to percussion and decreased breath sounds to auscultation. The study consisted of two groups； Of 34 cases, 15 eases were given prednisolone orally with P.A.S., and streptomycin and compared clinically with remaining, 19 cases being given I.N H., P. A.S, and streptomycin alone. The prednisolone (lmg/kg/day) was used in gradually decreasing doses down to a maintenance level, and was continued for about four weeks. In the prednisolone group remarkable symptomatic response was obtained within 2 days. In eleven of 15 cases (73.3%) pleural fluid cleared in 2 to 3 weeks and few cases had minimal degrees of pleural thickening. But in controll group this symptomatic response was delayed in 3 to 6 weeks and in ten of 19 cases (52.6%) pleural fluid persisted up to 6 to 8 weeks and some cases had more severe form of pleural thickening than study group. On the basis of this results, it is believed that the use of prednisolone with antituberculous drug to pleural effusion is satisfactory.

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