Pediatric Pleural Empyema in the Province of Quebec: Analysis of a 10-Fold Increase Between 1990 and 2007.

Background: Although the frequency of pneumonia has decreased over time, an increase in pleural empyema has been observed in different settings worldwide. This study assessed the epidemiology of community-acquired pediatric pleural empyema in the province of Quebec through validation of cases found in a hospitalization discharge database.

Methods: We used the national administrative database of hospitalization to identify children (6 months-14 years) hospitalized for pleural empyema or pleural effusion with drainage from January 1990 until December 2007 and reviewed their medical charts.

Burden of rotavirus disease: A population-based study in Eastern Townships, Quebec.

Background: Since July 2010, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization of Canada has recommended rotavirus vaccination for all healthy infants. However, before implementing this vaccine in routine health programs, Canadian provinces need to establish current epidemiological data on rotavirus-associated acute gastroenteritis (AGE).

Methods: A retrospective cohort study of children <5 years of age with AGE from 2002 to 2008 was performed in Eastern Townships, Quebec (population in 2006: 298,780).