Effect of aspiration with antibiotic adminstration on the outcome of brain abscess in pediatric age group

ABSTRACT

In the period from 1997-2000, 20 children were treated for brain abscess at Suez-Canal University Hospital. Age ranged from 6 months-12 years [with the mean of 9 years]. Fifteen cases were males [75%] and five [25%] were females. Of these, 17 [85%] had an ENT infection; 1 [5%] had cyanotic heart disease and the other two were idiopathic. The standardized treatment protocol included aspiration of the abscess and administration of antibiotics and anti-edematous drugs. CT scan with contrast as a diagnostic tool was available for all patients. In 3 [15%] out of these 20 cases, the abscess was excised. Postoperative neurological sequelae were slight, epilepsy frequency was 10% [2 cases] and focal deficit was 5% [one case]. Repeated CT scans demonstrated the progressive disappearance of the capsule within the few weeks [with the mean of 6 weeks]. This study showed an improvement in the results when brain abscesses in children are aspirated rather than excision