ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/AIMS: Amebic liver abscess is a frequent problem in Mexico. The morbidity and mortality is reported to be high in different series. The aim of this study was to evaluate the morbidity and mortality of ALA in our center and evaluate our current management used. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty patients were included in our study. Thirty-four (68%) were males, 16 (22%) were females. The age range was between 22 and 83 years (mean 50 years). The majority presented abdominal pain (95%), fever (82%) and hepatomegaly (72%). leukocytosis was observed in 72%, hypoalbuminaemia in 62%, thrombocytosis in 42%. The seroemeba reaction was positive in 90%. The diagnostic methods used were ultrasound in 42, computed tomography in 20 and isotope scan in 12. RESULTS: Medical treatment alone was used in 24 patients, 15 required percutaneous drainage and 11 surgery. Fifteen patients (38%) presented medical complications. The hospital stay raged between 5 and 44 days (mean 15 days). One patient died in a median follow up of 31.4 months. Multimodality management was liberally used in our patients. Amebicidal drugs were used initially and controlled the disease in 24 patients, 15 patients required percutaneous drainage because of lack of control of the disease or risk of complications and 11 patients required surgery to treat complications. CONCLUSION: With these approaches the morbidity and mortality of ALA in our center has remained low.
