Pyogenic liver abscess: an audit of 10 years' experience and analysis of risk factors

Despite continuous improvement in image modalities, availability of potent antibiotics and advancement in the knowledge and treatment of pyogenic liver abscess, mortality remains high. The high mortality rate has underlined the important role of prognostic factors and prompts a number of studies to identify the risk factors. The present study aims to audit our experience in managing patients with pyogenic hepatic abscess during the period of 1989-1999, and to document changes in etiology, bacteriology and outcome, and to identify any risk factor associated with mortality.

One hundred and thirty-three patients with pyogenic hepatic abscess were studied to determine the demographic characteristics, clinical features, laboratory, bacteriological findings, methods of treatment, final outcome and risk factor analysis. All patients were treated with parenteral antibiotics. One hundred and twelve patients were subjected to ultrasound-guided percutaneous aspiration of the abscess. A percutaneous drainage catheter was inserted after aspiration in all patients. Laparotomy was done in 21 patients.

The overall hospital mortality rate was 6% (8/133). Biliary tract disease was the most frequently identified cause. Leukocytosis, hypoalbuminemia and hyperbilirubinemia were common laboratory findings. The most common microorganism cultured was Klebsiella pneumoniae. The most common concomitant disease was diabetes mellitus. On univariate analysis, large abscess, diabetes mellitus and sepsis were significantly associated with hospital mortality. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, the presence of sepsis (p = 0.0031) was found to be an independent risk factor.

In addition to early diagnosis and prompt treatment, making every effort to treat patients with adverse prognostic factors and systemic complications, the hospital mortality rate will be decreased significantly.