CLINICAL PROFILE AND MANAGEMENT OF PATIENTS OF AMOEBIC LIVER ABSCESS IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE

Abstract

Introduction: Amoebiasis is caused by the protozoan Entamoeba histolytica. Most infections are asymptomatic; clinical manifestations include amoebic dysentery and extra intestinal disease. Amoebic liver abscess is the most common extraintestinal manifestation of amoebiasis. Amoebae establish hepatic infection by ascending the portal venous system. Aim: To study various aspects of Amoebic Liver Abscess like demographic profiles, clinical presentations, association with intestinal disease, radiological and laboratory findings, treatment modalities and complications. Materials and Methods: A hospital based prospective observational study was performed in the Department of Internal Medicine, Command Hospital (Eastern Command), Kolkata, from Jan 2018 to Jun 2019. All confirmed cases of amoebic liver abscess above the age of 18 years admitted in Command Hospital (EC) were included in this study. The patient were then subsequently followed up for 01 year with USG abdomen every 03 monthly. Results: Total 40 patients of Amoebic Liver Abscess with age more than 18 year were enrolled in the study. The age ranged from 26 to 70 years (mean age 46.2 year). Male patients were dominated over female. 80.0 % were from rural background. About 55% patients were addicted to alcohol & 25.0 % were known diabetics at presentation. In all, 07 (17.5%) patients with abscess size of 6 cm to 10 cm (Vol> 300 cc) were treated by needle aspiration and drug therapy. Remaining 17(42.5%) patients with abscess size more than 10 cm were treated with pigtail drainage and drug. Conclusion: There is significant advantage of pigtail drainage with drug treatment over needle aspiration with drug and only with drug treatment in terms of decrease in lesion size and early recovery.