Characteristics of Pyogenic Liver Abscess: Experience of a single centre in Oman

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyse the epidemiological, aetiological and clinical characteristics of pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) occurring in Oman. The intention was to obtain the information needed for the adequate liver abscess (LA) empirical treatment. LA can develop as a complication of hepatobiliary disease or other intraabdominal infections, but more recently, it is associated with primary and secondary liver malignancies and their treatment. METHODS: This retrospective study took place in the Royal Hospital, Muscat, Oman. Consecutive patients treated for LA from January 2013 to December 2017 were enrolled. Their demographic and clinical data were used to study the characteristics of PLA occurring in Oman. RESULTS: A total of 53 patients with PLA were enrolled in the study. They were predominantly male and younger than 60 years. Klebsiella pneumoniae was found to be the most common bacteria causing LA. Clinical presentation was non-specific, and abdominal pain and high fever were the most common symptoms. CONCLUSION: The majority of PLAs are caused by K. pneumoniae, so the empirical treatment should begin with antibiotic directed against it. Further studies are needed to establish the local role of anaerobic bacteria in PLA and monitor the presence of hypervirulent K. pneumoniae in Oman.