Background: To investigate the clinical features of necrotizing pneumonia (NP) caused by refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (RMPP).
Methods: A retrospective observational study was carried out in patients with NP caused by RMPP who were admitted to our hospital from January 2008 to December 2015, and the clinical manifestations, laboratory data, imaging performances, hospital courses and outcomes were analyzed.
Results: Twenty-five patients with NP caused by RMPP were collected, with a median age of 5.1 (4.0-7.9) years. The mean duration of fever and hospital stay was 21.0 ± 8.9 and 19.9 ± 9.9 days, respectively. The levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), C-reactive protein, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10 and interferon-gamma were elevated. Meanwhile, the pleural fluid cell count, LDH and protein were also increased. 80.0% of the patients had pleural effusion; and a high incidence of lobar atelectasis and pulmonary consolidation was found the patients. The mean duration from the onset of symptoms to the discovery of necrotic lesions was 21.0 ± 6.9 days. 80.0% of the patients were administrated corticosteroids, and bronchoalveolar lavage was extracted separately from all patients. Of the 20 patients who presented with pleural effusion, 11 underwent thoracocentesis alone and 2 underwent chest drainage. All patients received prolonged courses of antibiotics (32.2 ± 8.7 days). All patients were dischaged home and recovered without surgical intervention; and chest lesions were resolved or only minimal residual fibrotic changes were residual within 3.0 (2.0-6.0) months.
Conclusions: Necrotizing pneumonia caused by RMPP is severe, however, self-limiting and reversible. Good outcomes can be achieved with appropriate management.
Keywords: Children; Mycoplasma pneumoniae; Necrotizing pneumonia; Refractory.