Liver abscess

medicine

1. LIVER ABSCESS JOHNY WILBERT, M.Sc [N] LECTURER, APOLLO INSTITUTE OF HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT AND ALLIED SCIENCE

2. A liver abscess is a collection of pus in the liver caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasites. DEFINITION

3. There are three major forms of liver abscess, classified by  etiology : Pyogenic liver abscess , which is most often polymicrobial , accounts for 80% of hepatic abscess cases Amoebic liver abscess  due to  Entamoeba histolytica  accounts for 10% of cases. Fungal abscess, most often due to  Candida  species, accounts for less than 10% of cases. TYPES

4. Major bacterial causes of liver abscess include the following Streptococcus  species (including  Enterococcus ) Escherichia  species Staphylococcus  species Klebsiella  species Anaerobes (including  Bacteroides  species) Pseudomonas  species Proteus  species CAUSES

5. Traveling to places where infection is common Age older than 70 years Medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, or a weak immune system Medicines, such as steroids or chemotherapy Alcohol Poor nutrition RISK FACTORS

6. Pain in the upper right part of the abdomen, just below the ribs A cough, or feeling tired and weak Fever and night sweats Nausea or vomiting Loss of appetite Yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

7. Blood tests  will show which germ is causing infection. An x-ray, ultrasound, CT, or MRI  may show the liver abscess. DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATIONS

8. Medicine  can help treat an infection caused by bacteria, a fungus, or a parasite. Needle aspiration  is a procedure to drain fluid with a needle. Catheter drainage  is a procedure to drain fluid through a catheter inserted into an incision. Surgery  may be needed if the abscess is large or bursts. TREATMENT

9. Eat a variety of healthy foods.  Do not drink alcohol.  PREVENTION