The role of high dose corticosteroid (methylperednisolone pulse therapy) in treatment of multi-organ involvement after bacterial pneumonia and pleural empyema; “case series”

Abstract

Abstract Parapneumonic effusions and empyema usually occur after bacterial pneumonia. Inflammation plays an essential role in the occurrence of pneumonia and can lead to an autoinflammatory condition. In this study, we will present three cases including multi-organ involvement following pleural empyema that have been treated with pulse corticosteroid therapy. Apparently, pleural empyema can lead to multi-organ involvement due to underlying inflammatory processes. This condition is usually associated with symptoms and changes in laboratory parameters that manifest after empyema treatment or reappear after temporary recovery. Hence, managing this condition by pulse corticosteroid therapy can result in positive outcomes.

Keywords

• Pleural effusion
• Methylprednisolone
• Empyema
• Chest tube
• Tissue plasminogen activator