Management of primary spontaneous pneumothorax in the pediatric population: a 7-year institutional experience.

OBJECTIVE

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax is characterized by the accumulation of air within the pleural space in the absence underlying lung diseases. This study aims to evaluate the clinical characteristics, treatment modalities, and recurrence rates of child and adolescent patients diagnosed with primary spontaneous pneumothorax in our clinic.

METHODS

Patients under the age of 18 diagnosed with primary spontaneous pneumothorax via chest X-ray and thoracic computed tomography were included in the study. Patients' age, gender, presenting complaints, side of pneumothorax, treatment method, complication status, history of recurrence, smoking status, body mass index, and Haller index were recorded. The pneumothorax ratio was calculated radiologically according to the British Thoracic Society guidelines and using the Kircher-Swartzel formula.

RESULTS

Total of 33 patients were included in the study. During follow-up, 15 recurrent episodes occurred, yielding a total of 48 pneumothorax episodes for analysis. No patient experienced more than two total episodes. A statistically significant relationship was identified between the pneumothorax percentage and the development of recurrence. No statistically significant difference was found between body mass/Haller/gender index and the development of recurrence. No significant association was found between the side of pneumothorax (left, right, or bilateral) and the development of either recurrence or complications.

CONCLUSION

Although management strategies similar to adult protocols are applied in childhood pneumothorax, individualized treatment planning based on patient characteristics is of paramount importance. Large-scale studies are required to establish a standardized treatment protocol.