Brain abscess in Korean children: A 15-year single center study.
10.3345/kjp.2010.53.5.648
- Author:
Cha Gon LEE
1
;
Seong Hun KANG
;
Yae Jean KIM
;
Hyung Jin SHIN
;
Hyun Shin CHOI
;
Jee Hun LEE
;
Mun Hyang LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea. aejeankim@skku.edu
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Brain;
Abscess;
Child;
Korea
- MeSH:
Abscess;
Brain;
Brain Abscess;
Child;
Early Diagnosis;
Fever;
Head Injuries, Penetrating;
Heart Diseases;
Humans;
Intracranial Pressure;
Korea;
Pneumonia;
Retrospective Studies;
Seizures;
Streptococcus
- From:Korean Journal of Pediatrics
2010;53(5):648-652
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: 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. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of pediatric patients diagnosed with brain abscesses from November 1994 to June 2009 was performed at Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea. 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.
