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- Title
Single and Multiple Pyogenic Liver Abscesses: Etiology, Clinical Course, and Outcome.
- Authors
Alvarez, José A.; González, Juan J.; Baldonedo, Ricardo F.; Sanz, Lourdes; Carreño, Guillermo; Jorge, José I.
- Abstract
Background: Pyogenic liver abscesses are uncommon but they still carry a high mortality rate when encountered. This study was undertaken to evaluate the differences in the clinical behaviour of patients with single and multiple abscesses. Methods: From January 1985 to December 1997, 133 patients with this disease were treated in the surgical departments of five hospitals, 97 had a single abscess and 36 had multiple abscesses. Clinical features, methods of treatment, and outcome were assessed and compared in both types of abscesses. Results: A biliary origin from ascending cholangitis was most frequently found in multiple abscesses (p = 0.007). Mean age and duration of symptoms were higher in multiple lesions (p = 0.03 and p = 0.001). High levels of alkaline phosphatase were more frequently seen in multiple abscesses than in solitary ones (p = 0.02). They were both most frequently located on the right side. Antibiotic therapy alone was most frequently used in multiple abscesses (p = 0.01). Mortality rate was also higher in this type of patients (p = 0.01). The abscess-related morbidity rate was higher in multiple lesions as well but the statistical difference was not significant. Conclusions: These results suggest that multiple liver abscesses comprise a disease of biliary origin, higher age, longer symptomatic periods, and also higher mortality rate than in single abscess. Copyright © 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel
- Publication
Digestive Surgery, 2001, Vol 18, Issue 4, p283
- ISSN
0253-4886
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1159/000050153