Liver Abscess in Children

Liver Abscess in Children

Liver abscesses are localized collections of pus within the liver parenchyma, resulting from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections. While relatively rare in children, liver abscesses can be a serious and potentially life-threatening condition if not diagnosed and treated promptly.

Key Points:

  • Liver abscesses in children are uncommon but can occur at any age, from neonates to adolescents.
  • The incidence is higher in developing countries due to factors such as malnutrition and parasitic infections.
  • Pyogenic (bacterial) abscesses are the most common type in children, followed by amebic abscesses.
  • Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for favorable outcomes.
  • Treatment typically involves a combination of antimicrobial therapy and drainage procedures.

Epidemiology:

The epidemiology of liver abscesses in children varies by geographic region and socioeconomic factors:

  • Incidence: Estimated at 0.007% to 0.04% of pediatric hospital admissions in developed countries.
  • Age distribution: Can occur at any age, but more common in older children and adolescents.
  • Gender: Slight male predominance reported in some studies.
  • Geographic variation: Higher incidence in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly for amebic abscesses.



Liver Abscess: Objective Q&A
  1. What is a liver abscess?
    Answer: A pus-filled cavity in the liver caused by bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infection
  2. Which is the most common type of liver abscess in children?
    Answer: Pyogenic liver abscess
  3. What is the most common bacterial cause of pyogenic liver abscess in children?
    Answer: Staphylococcus aureus
  4. Which imaging modality is considered the gold standard for diagnosing liver abscesses?
    Answer: Contrast-enhanced CT scan
  5. What is the most common presenting symptom of liver abscess in children?
    Answer: Fever
  6. Which laboratory test is typically elevated in children with liver abscesses?
    Answer: C-reactive protein (CRP)
  7. What is the most common route of infection for pyogenic liver abscesses in children?
    Answer: Hematogenous spread
  8. Which parasitic infection is the most common cause of amoebic liver abscess?
    Answer: Entamoeba histolytica
  9. What is the primary treatment for small (<5 cm) uncomplicated liver abscesses?
    Answer: Intravenous antibiotics alone
  10. Which procedure is commonly used for drainage of large liver abscesses?
    Answer: Percutaneous needle aspiration or catheter drainage
  11. What is the most common location for liver abscesses in children?
    Answer: Right lobe of the liver
  12. Which underlying condition predisposes children to fungal liver abscesses?
    Answer: Immunodeficiency
  13. What is the typical duration of antibiotic treatment for pyogenic liver abscesses in children?
    Answer: 4-6 weeks
  14. Which imaging modality is preferred for guiding percutaneous drainage of liver abscesses?
    Answer: Ultrasound
  15. What is the most common complication of untreated liver abscesses?
    Answer: Rupture into the peritoneal cavity
  16. Which antibiotic is commonly used as first-line treatment for amoebic liver abscesses?
    Answer: Metronidazole
  17. What is the term for multiple small liver abscesses?
    Answer: Microabscesses
  18. Which congenital anomaly predisposes children to recurrent liver abscesses?
    Answer: Chronic granulomatous disease
  19. What is the most common fungal cause of liver abscesses in immunocompromised children?
    Answer: Candida species
  20. Which laboratory test can help differentiate between pyogenic and amoebic liver abscesses?
    Answer: Serological test for Entamoeba histolytica antibodies
  21. What is the most common indication for surgical intervention in pediatric liver abscesses?
    Answer: Failed percutaneous drainage
  22. Which imaging finding is characteristic of amoebic liver abscesses?
    Answer: Single, large abscess in the right lobe with peripheral enhancement
  23. What is the term for the spread of infection from the liver to the pleural space?
    Answer: Hepatobronchial fistula
  24. Which antibiotic combination is commonly used for empiric treatment of pyogenic liver abscesses?
    Answer: Third-generation cephalosporin plus metronidazole
  25. What is the most common cause of liver abscesses in neonates?
    Answer: Umbilical vein catheterization
  26. Which imaging modality is preferred for follow-up of liver abscesses during treatment?
    Answer: Ultrasound
  27. What is the most common cause of gas-forming liver abscesses in children?
    Answer: Clostridium perfringens
  28. Which laboratory test is typically normal in uncomplicated liver abscesses?
    Answer: Serum bilirubin
  29. What is the term for multiple liver abscesses associated with portal vein thrombosis?
    Answer: Pylephlebitis
  30. Which imaging finding is suggestive of a tuberculous liver abscess?
    Answer: Multiple small abscesses with calcifications


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The notes provided on Pediatime are generated from online resources and AI sources and have been carefully checked for accuracy. However, these notes are not intended to replace standard textbooks. They are designed to serve as a quick review and revision tool for medical students and professionals, and to aid in theory exam preparation. For comprehensive learning, please refer to recommended textbooks and guidelines.





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