EVALUATION OF TREATMENT FOR LIVER-ABSCESS - SIGNIFICANCE OF INTRAARTERIAL ANTIBIOTIC INJECTION THERAPY

Various treatments were performed in 14 patients with liver abscess, a nd their clinical effects were compared. The treatments were intra-art erial antibiotic infusion therapy (Group A, 4 patients), intra-arteria l infusion therapy plus percutaneous drainage of the abscess (Group B, 4 patients), and intravenous antibiotics alone (Group C, 6 patients). The period from the beginning of treatment to negative conversion of CRP (period until cure) was compared among the groups. Groups A and B had received intravenous antibiotics for a mean of 10 days and 16 day s, respectively, but the treatment was ineffective. The mean period un til cure from the beginning of intra-arterial infusion therapy was 36 days for Group A and 18 days for Group B. In Group C, the mean period until cure was 28 days. All patients recovered, and recurrence was obs erved in only one patient. Although liver abscess can be treated succe ssfully in many patients by intravenous antibiotics alone, intra-arter ial therapy is effective in those in whom intravenous therapy is not e ffective.