Subdural empyema is a neurosurgical emergency which is rapidly fatal if not recognized and managed promptly. Most series report a 30-40% mortality, and recommend a
craniotomy along with aggressive medical
therapy. Between 1978 and 1986, 8 children (2 months to 13 years) with
subdural empyemas were diagnosed and treated at our institution, and form the basis for this study. Burr hole and
catheter drainage was the treatment of choice in 5 children, while
craniotomy was required in 1 case of
sinusitis with
osteomyelitis. Three infants received multiple subdural taps via the anterior fontanel. All patients responded to surgical intervention and
antibiotic therapy. The average follow-up period was 29 months, and 5 children had no developmental delay, decrease in school performance, or impairment of intellectual function. There were no deaths in our series. Although the surgical management of
subdural empyemas remains controversial, it appears that burr hole and
catheter drainage is sufficient in most cases. With earlier diagnosis, aggressive
antibiotic therapy, and timely surgical intervention, the morbidity and mortality of
subdural empyemas have significantly diminished in recent years.