"PYOGENIC LIVER ABSCESS IN CHILDREN: A LONG TIME HOSPITAL EXPERIENCE"

Consensus regarding management of pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) among children is yet to emerge, and documentation on these subjects is scanty. Eighteen cases of PLA admitted at Children’s Medical Center in Tehran, Iran, over a 15 year period were analyzed to document the clinical profile and to evaluate the management of PLA among children. Records of all patients were reviewed for presenting signs and symptoms, any associated condition, investigative results, management, and follow–up findings. The overall rate of PLA was 48.9 per 100,000 pediatric admissions in our hospital. Moderate to severe malnutrition was present in five (27.8%) and ascariasis in seven (38.9%) children. Common presentations were fever (100%), abdominal pain (76.9%), and tender hepatomegaly (83.3%). Fourteen patients (77.8%) had solitary liver abscess. Organism was isolated in 11 cases (63.3%), and staphylococcus aureus was the commonest isolate (66.7%).Twelve cases were managed conservatively with antibiotics alone, of these only two (16.7%) required drainage later. Percutaneous aspiration was also undertaken in four additional (22.2%) cases and open drainage in two (11.1%), at presentation. The overall mortality rate was 11.1%. Time taken for complete resolution ranged from 10 to 40 days. Altogether, we conclude that any child presenting with fever, abdominal pain, and tender hepatomegaly should be subjected to ultrasound scan for early detection of PLA. It seems that a combination of cloxacillin and gentamicin or a third generation cephalosporine and gentamicin, especially in infants, is a satistactory initial coverage. Therapeutic drainage is not an obligation in all cases of PLA. When required, percutaneous needle aspiration is safe and effective. Resolution and significant reduction in mortality has been made possible by early detection and appropriate antibiotic therapy.