Neonatal lung abscess. A report of six cases

Six infants 8 weeks of age or younger had lung abscesses treated in our medical center during the 20-year period of from 1957 to 1977. The duration of symptoms prior to diagnosis, the etiologic organisms, and the therapeutic approach differ from those in older children and adults. The pathogenic organisms were Escherichia coli, group B streptococcus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Initial therapy with a penicillin and an aminoglycoside are indicated until identification and susceptibility results are available on the organism isolated from the abscess cavity. Previously undiagnosed cystic malformations of the lung were seen in two of the six patients. Surgical intervention is usually required in this age group.