Siddique Akbar Satti, Syed Irfan Ahmed, Tariq Mehmood Satti, Muhammad Habib, M Naseemullah.
Amoebic Liver Abscess: A Eight Year Analysis.
J Rawal Med Coll Jan ;5(2):73-5.

Background: A prospective study of amoebic liver abscess undertaken to analyze the incidence, pattern of disease, sex distribution, anatomical location and response to various treatment modalities. Method: Fifty three patients suffering from amoebic liver abscess (ALA) admitted over a eight year period (1994 to 2001) were studied. In all cases, the diagnosis was based on clinical findings, abdominal ultrasound and serological tests for Entamoeba histolytica. All patients received Metronidazole 800mg orally, thrice daily for ten days followed by diloxanide furoate for the same duration. Percutaneous needle aspiration of sizable liver abscesses was done using a gauge 16 aspiration needle and the aspirate sent for routine examination, microscopy and culture sensitivity. Results: Age of patients ranged from 16 to 69 years. 83% were males and 17% females. Majority of patients had a single abscess in the right lobe of liver. All responded to antiamoebic therapy and guided percutaneous aspiration of the liver abscess where indicated. None of the subjects developed any complication requiring surgical exploration. There was no mortality. Conclusions: Besides medication, percutaneous needle aspiration is required in all sizeable abscesses since it results in early recovery and fewer complications. Aspiration is also indicated where there is a lack of response to medical therapy, imminent rupture, abscess in left lobe of the liver and enlarging abscess.

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