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Management of brain abscess in children

Miguel Gelabert-González1, Ramón Serramito-García, Alfredo García-Allut

  • 1Department of Surgery, Service of Neurosurgery, Clinic Hospital of Santiago, University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain. cimigego@usc.es

Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|December 5, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric brain abscesses remain a significant challenge, often leading to neurological deficits and mortality despite modern treatments. This study reviews the surgical management and outcomes for 28 children.

Area of Science:

  • Neurosurgery
  • Paediatric Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Brain abscesses in children present persistent challenges with significant morbidity and mortality.
  • Despite advances in antibiotics and imaging, outcomes remain a concern in paediatric neurosurgery.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report the treatment and outcomes of 28 paediatric patients diagnosed with brain abscess.
  • To analyze clinical data, aetiological agents, and treatment strategies for pediatric brain abscess.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 28 paediatric patients treated for brain abscess between 1981 and 2005.
  • Assessment of clinical presentation, radiological findings, causative agents, surgical management, and patient evolution.
  • Surgical evacuation combined with antibiotic therapy was the primary treatment approach.

Main Results:

  • The majority of abscesses were supratentorial, with contiguous infections (e.g., chronic otitis media) being a common predisposing factor.
  • Gram-negative bacteria were frequently identified in positive cultures.
  • Nine patients experienced neurological sequelae, and two deaths were recorded.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric brain abscesses are associated with substantial rates of neurological impairment and mortality.
  • Aggressive surgical and antibiotic management is crucial, but significant risks persist.
Abstract

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