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Subdural empyema ⇧ Return to Top ⇧

• Subdural empyema

• Causative pathogens

• More common

• Streptococcus milleri
• Other streptococci and enterococci
• Aerobic Gram-negative bacilli (Haemophilus influenzae, Proteus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, Acinetobacter, Salmonella, Morganella, Eikenella)
• No growth

• Less common

• Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci
• Anaerobic Gram-positive cocci (Veillonella, Peptostreptococcus, others)
• Anaerobic Gram-negative bacilli (Bacteroides, Fusobacterium, Prevotella)

• Empiric antimicrobial therapy

Note (1): The choice of antimicrobial agent should be based on Gram stain results and directed against the likely causative microorganisms in the specific clinical setting.

Note (2): Metronidazole is recommended if anaerobes are suspected. Metronidazole is not necessary for antianaerobic activity if Meropenem is used.

Note (3): For coverage of aerobic Gram-negative bacilli, empiric therapy with Cefepime, Ceftazidime, or Meropenem is appropriate.

Note (4): Depending on the clinical response, parenteral antimicrobial therapy should be administered for 3 to 4 weeks after drainage. Parenteral or oral therapy is frequently continued for up to a total of 6 weeks of therapy.

Note (5): A longer course of treatment (minimum of 6–8 weeks) may be required if the patient has accompanying osteomyelitis.

Note (6): Consider adjunctive medications including prophylactic anticonvulsants, corticosteroids, and mannitol if clinically indicated.

• Intracranial subdural empyema with unclear source of infection

• Preferred regimen: (Nafcillin 2 g IV q4h or Oxacillin 2 g IV q4h) AND (Ceftriaxone 2 g IV q12h or Cefotaxime 8–12 g/day IV q4–6h) AND Metronidazole 7.5 mg/kg IV q6h

Note: Vancomycin should be used in place of nafcillin or oxacillin if MRSA is suspected or if penicillin allergy is present.

• Intracranial subdural empyema associated with sinusitis or otitis media

• Preferred regimen: (Nafcillin 2 g IV q4h or Oxacillin 2 g IV q4h) AND (Ceftriaxone 2 g IV q12h or Cefotaxime 8–12 g/day IV q4–6h) AND Metronidazole 7.5 mg/kg IV q6h

Note: Vancomycin should be used in place of nafcillin or oxacillin if MRSA is suspected or if penicillin allergy is present.

• Intracranial subdural empyema after cranial trauma

• Preferred regimen: Nafcillin 2 g IV q4h or Oxacillin 2 g IV q4h

Note: Vancomycin should be used in place of nafcillin or oxacillin if MRSA is suspected or if penicillin allergy is present.

• Intracranial subdural empyema after neurosurgical procedures

• Preferred regimen: Vancomycin 30–45 mg/kg/day IV q8–12h AND Ceftazidime 2 g IV q8h

• Intracranial subdural empyema in neonates (usually associated with meningitis)

• Infants < 1 month

• Preferred regimen: Ampicillin 200 mg/kg/day IV q4h AND Cefotaxime 200 mg/kg/day IV q6h

• Infants 1–3 months

• Preferred regimen: Ampicillin 200 mg/kg/day IV q4h AND (Cefotaxime 200 mg/kg/day IV q6h OR Ceftriaxone 100 mg/kg/day IV q12h)

• Infants > 3 months

• Preferred regimen: Vancomycin 60 mg/kg/day IV q6h AND (Cefotaxime 200 mg/kg/day IV q6h OR Ceftriaxone 100 mg/kg/day IV q12h OR Cefepime 150 mg/kg/day IV q8h)

• Spinal subdural empyema

• Preferred regimen: Nafcillin 2 g IV q4h or Oxacillin 2 g IV q4h

Note: Vancomycin should be used in place of nafcillin or oxacillin if MRSA is suspected or if penicillin allergy is present.

• Pathogen-directed antimicrobial therapy

• Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant (MRSA)

• Preferred regimen: Vancomycin 30–45 mg/kg/day IV q8–12h for 4–6 weeks
• Alternative regimen: Linezolid 600 mg PO/IV q12h for 4–6 weeks OR TMP-SMX 5 mg/kg/dose PO/IV q8–12h for 4–6 weeks
• Pediatric dose: Vancomycin 15 mg/kg/dose IV q6h OR Linezolid 10 mg/kg/dose PO/IV q8h

Note: Consider the addition of Rifampin 600 mg qd or 300–450 mg bid to vancomycin.