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Sequential intravenous/oral antibiotic vs. continuous intravenous antibiotic in the treatment of pyogenic liver abscess
Author(s) -
Ng F. H.,
Wong W. M.,
Wong B. C. Y.,
Kng C.,
Wong S. Y.,
Lai K. C.,
Cheng C. S.,
Yuen W. C.,
Lam S. K.,
Lai C. L.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
alimentary pharmacology and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.308
H-Index - 177
eISSN - 1365-2036
pISSN - 0269-2813
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2036.2002.01266.x
Subject(s) - medicine , antibiotics , intravenous therapy , pyogenic liver abscess , liver abscess , surgery , intravenous antibiotics , abscess , retrospective cohort study , microbiology and biotechnology , biology
Summary Aim : Pyogenic liver abscesses result in substantial morbidity and mortality. Antimicrobial regimens using sequential intravenous/oral therapy may reduce the length of hospital stay. In this retrospective analysis, the efficacy of continuous intravenous antibiotic therapy (group I) vs. sequential intravenous/oral antibiotic therapy (group II) was studied in patients with pyogenic liver abscess. Methods : One hundred and twelve consecutive patients (55 in group I and 57 in group II) with pyogenic liver abscess were analysed. Clinical response, length of hospital stay and relapse rates were examined. Results : Group II had a significantly shorter duration of intravenous antibiotic treatment (3.2 weeks vs. 5.9 weeks, P < 0.01) and a shorter length of hospital stay (28 days vs. 42 days, P < 0.01) when compared to group I. Oral antibiotics were prescribed for a median duration of 2.9 weeks in group II after discharge. No relapse occurred within 6 weeks after the completion of treatment in both groups. The cost of therapy was significantly lower in group II than in group I by 33%. Conclusions : A sequential intravenous/oral antibiotic regime is a safe and effective treatment for pyogenic liver abscess. This reduces the cost of therapy and the length of hospital stay.