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Brain abscess in Korean children: A 15-year single center study
Cha Gon Lee1, Seong Hun Kang, Yae Jean Kim
1Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.
Korean Journal of Pediatrics
|December 31, 2010
Summary
Brain abscesses are serious central nervous system infections in children. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial, as outcomes can include significant neurologic sequelae or fatality.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Brain abscesses represent a critical central nervous system (CNS) infection with potentially severe outcomes.
- Prompt recognition and management are essential for improving patient prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of pediatric brain abscesses.
- To identify common manifestations, predisposing factors, and causative agents in pediatric brain abscess cases.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective chart review was conducted.
- Data from pediatric patients diagnosed with brain abscesses between November 1994 and June 2009 at Samsung Medical Center were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Fever, seizures, and altered mental status were the most common clinical presentations.
- Congenital heart disease was the most frequent underlying illness, while otogenic infections and head trauma were common predisposing factors.
- The fatality rate was 16%, with 20% experiencing neurologic sequelae; no statistical association was found between outcomes and studied factors.
Conclusions:
- Brain abscess, though uncommon, is a severe pediatric disease requiring a high index of suspicion for early diagnosis.
- Timely diagnosis and intervention are critical to mitigate severe consequences and improve patient outcomes.
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