Management of Liver Abscesses at a Teaching Hospital in Rural Haryana- A Prospective Study

Abstract

Introduction: With the rise of change in imaging modalities like Computed Tomography (CT) scan or Ultrasonography (USG) the treatment of liver abscess has changed leading to reduction in morbidity and mortality. Liver abscess is more common in developing countries like India. Aim: To determine the methods for aetiological diagnosis of liver abscesses and to evaluate various methods for treatment of liver abscesses and select appropriate treatment modality on the basis of clinicomicrobiological findings. Materials and Methods: The present study was a prospective study of 60 cases diagnosed as liver abscesses both amoebic and pyogenic which were managed in rural tertiary care centre between the period of November 2018 to April 2020 were included in the study. A preformed protocol was made for the management of all patients diagnosed with liver abscess and various parameters contributing to the illness like age, gender, associated conditions and clinical features. The prognosis was evaluated and assessed by using laboratory investigations, radiological findings to check the response to treatment by selecting appropriate treatment modality. Statistical analysis was done with the help of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 20.0 for windows; Chicago, USA. Results: In this study amoebic liver abscess was more common as compared to pyogenic liver abscess {42 (70%) and 18 (30%)}. Liver abscess was more common in males as compared to females (4:1). History of alcohol consumption was strongly associated with the aetiology of liver abscess. Abdominal pain was the most common symptom in these patients. Conclusion: Proper clinical evaluation along with radiological imaging modalities has led to the early diagnosis of liver abscess. Microbiological investigations like blood antibody Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA) for Entamoeba histolytica is not in favour of diagnosing amoebic liver abscess. Conservative management is effective for minor abscesses.