Community-acquired Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia manifested by bloody pleural effusion in a previously healthy infant: A case report

Background Community-acquired Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia in immunocompetent children is a rare occurrence. Methods A retrospective analysis of the clinical manifestations, imaging characteristics, laboratory examinations, and treatment of a child with community-acquired Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia presented with bloody pleural effusion. Results The 1-year-old previously healthy patient, who developed community-acquired pneumonia caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and influenza virus. The patient manifested bloody pleural effusion although his condition improved after anti-infective therapy and closed thoracic drainage. After 10 days of hospitalization, his symptoms worsened, accompanied by hemoptysis, and the pathogen developed resistance to carbapenems. The antibiotic strategy was adjusted to combined antipseudomonal regimen. He developed low-grade fever and was extubated, although these manifestations and imaging were eventually alleviated. Conclusions Community-acquired Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia in children may be non-septic, with bloody pleural effusion as presentation, and the disease may progress after 10 days of treatment due to drug resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Early extubation should be considered after adequate drainage.

Automated summary

Community-acquired Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia in immunocompetent children is rare and may present with bloody pleural effusion. Treatment may be complicated by drug resistance, leading to worsening symptoms despite initial improvement. Early extubation should be considered after adequate drainage.