Pyogenic liver abscess among children in a medical center in Central Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric pyogenic liver abscess is uncommon. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics, radiologic features, pathogens, duration of hospitalization, and management of pediatric pyogenic liver abscess.

METHODS: Pediatric patients with pyogenic liver abscess admitted to the China Medical University Hospital from 1995 to 2011 were reviewed. Their clinical characteristics, radiological features, laboratory data, clinical management, and outcomes were analyzed. Those with liver abscess due to the complication of oncologic disease were excluded.

RESULTS: Fifteen patients were diagnosed with pyogenic liver abscess. Their most common symptoms were fever and abdominal pain. Eight (53.0%) had leukocytosis (>15000/μL) and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) level (>10 mg/dL). The main imaging presentation was a single abscess in right lobe of the liver (13/15, 86.7%). Blood culture were mainly negative (12/15, 80.0%). Pathogenic microorganisms cultured from pus revealed Klebsiella pneumoniae (6/15, 40.0%) and Streptococcus spp. (6/15, 40.0%) as the two most common pathogens. Percutaneous abscess drainage followed by adequate parenteral antibiotics were effective interventions. Hospitalization of at least 2 weeks was needed in most cases. There were no mortalities.

CONCLUSION: Pyogenic liver abscess should be considered in children presenting with fever, abdominal pain, and leukocytosis with a high CRP level. Most cases involve a single lesion on right lobe of the liver. K. pneumoniae and Streptococcus spp. are the two most common pathogens. Drainage with adequate antibiotics has significantly good response.