| Abstract | The study presented here was performed to evaluate the need for aspiration in patients with amebic liver abscess (ALA). Patients older than 12 years with a diagnosis of ALA based on clinical features, ultrasound results, and positive amebic serology were included in the study (n=144). Serological testing was performed to detect the presence of immunoglobin G antibody against Entamoeba histolytica, and a value of more than 0.4 optical density units was considered positive. All patients were given intravenous metronidazole (500 mg every 8 h) and their clinical progress and need for abscess aspiration was documented. Fever, pain in the upper abdomen, and tender hepatomegaly was seen in 133 (92.3%), 128 (88.8%), and 144 (100%) patients, respectively. Multiple abscesses were seen in 40 (27.7%) patients. Six (4.1%) patients died. Seventy-one (49.3%) patients responded to metronidazole alone. A total of 73 (50.69%) patients required aspiration of the abscess. This study shows that almost 50% of the patients with amebic liver abscess failed to respond to metronidazole and required aspiration. |
| Authors | S Khanna, D Chaudhary, A Kumar, J C Vij
(Affiliation: Department of Gastroeneterology and Hepatology, Pushpawati Singhania Research Institute for Liver, Renal and Digestive Diseases, Press Enclave Road, Shiekh Sarai-II, New Delhi 110017, India. khannasudeep at hotmail.com)
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| Journal | European journal of clinical microbiology & infectious diseases : official publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology
(Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis)
Vol. 24
Issue 6
Pg. 428-30
(Jun 2005)
ISSN: 0934-9723 Germany |
| PMID | 15928909
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
|
| Chemical References |
- Antiprotozoal Agents
- Metronidazole
|
| Topics |
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Antiprotozoal Agents
(therapeutic use)
- Female
- Humans
- Liver Abscess, Amebic
(therapy)
- Male
- Metronidazole
(therapeutic use)
- Middle Aged
- Prospective Studies
- Suction
|
