Ten-year series of splenic abscesses in a general hospital in Singapore.
- Author:
Chee Yung NG
1
;
E Chuan LEONG
;
Hong Chee CHNG
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH: Abscess; drug therapy; epidemiology; etiology; Adult; Aged; Anti-Bacterial Agents; therapeutic use; Bacteremia; complications; drug therapy; Female; Hospitals, General; statistics & numerical data; Humans; Male; Melioidosis; complications; epidemiology; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Singapore; epidemiology; Splenic Diseases; drug therapy; epidemiology; etiology
- From:Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore 2008;37(9):749-752
- CountrySingapore
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
INTRODUCTIONSplenic abscess is an uncommon clinical problem. Traditionally, the "gold standard" treatment has been splenectomy. However, there is increasing use of non-operative treatments worldwide.
MATERIALS AND METHODSA 10-year (1996-2005) retrospective review of case records from a single centre (an 800-bed general hospital) was performed. Information regarding demographics, clinical presentation, aetiological agents and management was gathered and analysed.
RESULTSThere were 21 cases from 1996 to 2005. Nineteen (90%) had multiple abscesses. Disseminated melioidosis was the most common aetiological agent (15 cases, 71%). Only 3 patients underwent splenectomy. The remainder were treated conservatively with antibiotics. Almost all the patients (19, 90%) also suffered from diabetes mellitus.
CONCLUSIONSThe most common aetiological agent encountered was Burkholderia pseudomallei. Diabetes mellitus may be an important co-factor in the pathogenesis of splenic abscesses. The majority of our patients were managed conservatively and splenectomy was only occasionally required.
