1.BRAIN ABSCESS IN CHILDREN
Orkhontuul Sh ; Avaajigmed L ; Tsetsegdelger J ; Bolormaa I ; Dolgorjav B ; Amartuvshin B ; Enkhbold D
Journal of Surgery 2016;20(2):37-41
Introduction: A brain abscess is a
serious disease of the central nerve system.
We conducted this study to summarize the
clinical manifestations and outcomes of
brain abscesses.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective
chart review of pediatric patients diagnosed
with brain abscesses from November 2000 to
Jаn 2016 was performed at Shastin Medical
Hospital neurosurgery department.
Results: Twenty-five patients were
included in this study. On average, 1.67
cases per year were identified and the
median age was 4.3 years. The common
presenting clinical manifestations were fever
(18/25, 72%), seizure (12/25, 48%), altered
mental status (11/25, 44%), and signs of
increased intracranial pressure (9/25, 36%).
A total of 14 (56%) patients had underlying
illnesses, with congenital heart disease
(8/25, 32%) as the most common cause.
Predisposing factors were identified in 15
patients (60%). The common predisposing
factors were otogenic infection (3/25, 12%)
and penetrating head trauma (3/25, 12%).
Causative organisms were identified in 64%
of patients (16/25). The causative agents
were S. intermedius (n=3), S. aureus (n=3),
S. pneumoniae (n=1), Group B streptococcus
(n=2), E. coli (n=1), P. aeruginosa (n=1),
and suspected fungal infection (n=5). Seven
patients received medical treatment only
while the other 18 patients also required
surgical intervention. The overall fatality rate
was 16% and 20% of patients had neurologic
sequelae. There was no statistical association
between outcomes and the factors studied.
Conclusion: Although uncommon, a brain
abscess is a serious disease. A high level of
suspicion is very important for early diagnosis
and to prevent serious consequences.
2. BRAIN ABSCESS IN CHILDREN
Orkhontuul SH ; Avaajigmed L ; Tsetsegdelger J ; Bolormaa I ; Dolgorjav B ; Amartuvshin B ; Enkhbold D
Journal of Surgery 2016;20(2):37-41
Introduction: A brain abscess is aserious disease of the central nerve system.We conducted this study to summarize theclinical manifestations and outcomes ofbrain abscesses.Materials and Methods: A retrospectivechart review of pediatric patients diagnosedwith brain abscesses from November 2000 toJаn 2016 was performed at Shastin MedicalHospital neurosurgery department.Results: Twenty-five patients wereincluded in this study. On average, 1.67cases per year were identified and themedian age was 4.3 years. The commonpresenting clinical manifestations were fever(18/25, 72%), seizure (12/25, 48%), alteredmental status (11/25, 44%), and signs ofincreased intracranial pressure (9/25, 36%).A total of 14 (56%) patients had underlyingillnesses, with congenital heart disease(8/25, 32%) as the most common cause.Predisposing factors were identified in 15patients (60%). The common predisposingfactors were otogenic infection (3/25, 12%)and penetrating head trauma (3/25, 12%).Causative organisms were identified in 64%of patients (16/25). The causative agentswere S. intermedius (n=3), S. aureus (n=3),S. pneumoniae (n=1), Group B streptococcus(n=2), E. coli (n=1), P. aeruginosa (n=1),and suspected fungal infection (n=5). Sevenpatients received medical treatment onlywhile the other 18 patients also requiredsurgical intervention. The overall fatality ratewas 16% and 20% of patients had neurologicsequelae. There was no statistical associationbetween outcomes and the factors studied.Conclusion: Although uncommon, a brainabscess is a serious disease. A high level ofsuspicion is very important for early diagnosisand to prevent serious consequences.