CLINICAL PROFILE OF LIVER ABSCESS: A HOSPITAL BASED PROSPECTIVE STUDY.

Objectives: Liver abscess (LA) is defined as collection of purulent material in liver parenchyma which can be due to bacterial, parasitic, fungal, or mixed infection. The liver abscess is mainly classified into amoebic and pyogenic. This present study was to evaluate the aetiology, clinical profile, management and prognosis of liver abscess patients. Methods: A detail history, clinical examinations and relevant investigations were performed to all liver abscess patients. Investigations was performed like as routine blood investigations, chest x-ray, PA view, X-ray abdomen, AP view, ultrasound abdomen, CT scan abdomen (if needed).  Culture and sensitivity of the aspirate was performed. Results: Data was analysed by using simple statistical methods with the help of MS-Office software. Conclusions: Liver abscess was commonly seen in elderly age groups. Male was more preponderance than females. Amoebic liver abscess was commonly   found. Amoebic liver abscess was commonly seen in alcoholic patients. Abdominal pain, fever and abdominal distension were common clinical symptoms. Tenderness on right hypochondrial, intercostal region and hepatomegaly were the common clinical sign of liver abscess. Abscess was mostly seen in right lobe than left lobe. Most of the patients were managed by percutaneous single aspiration. If aspiration was failed, percutaneous catheter drainage was the choice for management of liver abscess. Hence, A very prompt recognition is important in instituting effective management and achieving good outcomes.  Because of the nonspecific symptoms and laboratory findings, the presence of predisposing factors can be helpful in increasing the level of diagnostic suspicion.  The key to successful outcome in the management of liver abscess is early diagnosis and appropriate therapy. Keywords: Liver abscess, age group, amoebic liver abscess, pyogenic liver abscess, alcoholic, management of liver abscess