CHEST PROBLEMS IN PEDIATRIC MALIGNANCIES

Abstract

This study was carried out on 50 children known to have malignancy and presenting with chest complaint. They were 36 (72%) male and 14 (28%) female. Their mean ages were 6.47 ± 3.85 SD and ranges between 1-15 years. Thirty-three (66%) cases were diagnosed '" having

pulmonary infections, 6( 12%) cases were diagnosed as having pulmonary infections and pleural effusion, 4 (8%) cases with mediastinal masses, 5 (I0%) cases with pulmonary metastases, one case with pneumothorax and one case with malignant spread from chest wall sarcoma. Sputum cultures were positive in 33 (66%) case, 25 reveal gram +ve organisms, 4 with gram -ve and 4 with fungal pathogens. Blood cultures were positive in 14 case (28%), II reveal gram +ve organisms and 3 with gram - ve organisms.