Improvements in the medical and surgical care of pediatric patients have substantially
reduced the incidence of pyogenic liver abscess, which is now a very uncommon condition
in children. The purpose of this study was to review five cases of pyogenic liver
abscess in children presenting to our hospital. Three patients were managed by percutaneous
needle aspiration under ultrasonographic guidance together with antibiotic therapy.
Two patients with multiple small abscesses were managed by prolonged antimicrobial
treatment alone. All five patients survived. The etiology, diagnosis and medical and
surgical management of liver abscess in children are discussed.
Keywords
Liver abscess - percutaneous drainage - clinical treatment - antibiotics - children
