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International Journal of Pediatric... May 2021Subperiosteal orbital abscess (SPOA) is a serious suppurative complication of pediatric sinusitis. The objective of this study is to stratify patient selection into...
INTRODUCTION
Subperiosteal orbital abscess (SPOA) is a serious suppurative complication of pediatric sinusitis. The objective of this study is to stratify patient selection into those best treated medically versus surgically based on clinical outcomes.
METHODS
This is a retrospective review of patients diagnosed with SPOA complicating sinusitis treated at a tertiary care pediatric hospital from 2002 through 2016. SPOA was diagnosed by CT scan. Characteristics evaluated include demographics, abscess size, location, and measurements, length of hospital stay, medical and surgical interventions, presenting symptoms, and complications.
RESULTS
A total of 108 total SPOA secondary to sinusitis patients were included. A majority, 72.2%, were male with an average age at presentation of 6.8 years. The mean ± standard deviation abscess cubic volume was 0.98 ± 1.27 cm (median(range) = 0.44(0.01-7.34 cmcm)). With an abscess volume of 0.510 cm, there was a sensitivity of 71.2% and a specificity of 84.4% for needing surgical drainage. Those with large abscesses at our volume threshold were 13 times more likely to require surgery than those with small abscesses, OR: 13.41, 95%CI: 5.02-35.86, p < .001. Patients that required surgery had an abscess closer to the orbital apex with the majority, 25 (61.0%), being the most proximal to the apex, p = .004. The likelihood of surgery decreased with increased distance from the orbital apex in medial abscesses (OR:.92, 95%CI: 0.86-0.98, p = .009).
CONCLUSION
In the pediatric population, SPOA is a serious consequence of sinusitis. This study provides evidence supporting that larger abscess size is a significant risk factor for requiring surgery. The appeal of our study is that it provides evidence and support that employ clinical parameters already assessed as standard practice in evaluating these patients. In summarizing the clinical translational relevance of our study, when determining whether to treat a patient with surgery and antimicrobial/medical therapy vs. non-surgical medical therapy alone, the clinician should focus on size of 0.510 cm or larger for abscesses in any location as a relative indication for surgery.
Topics: Abscess; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Child; Drainage; Female; Humans; Male; Orbital Cellulitis; Orbital Diseases; Periosteum; Retrospective Studies; Sinusitis
PubMed: 33813099
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2021.110693 -
The American Journal of Emergency... Jul 2022Tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA) is a rare but serious condition that carries with it a high rate of morbidity and even mortality. (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA) is a rare but serious condition that carries with it a high rate of morbidity and even mortality.
OBJECTIVE
This review highlights the pearls and pitfalls of TOA, including diagnosis, initial resuscitation, and management in the emergency department (ED) based on current evidence.
DISCUSSION
TOA is associated with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) as well as intrauterine devices, uterine procedures, multiple sexual partners, diabetes mellitus, and immunocompromised states. While usually arising from a gynecologic infection, TOA can be associated with a gastrointestinal source. History and physical examination are limited, demonstrating predominantly lower abdominal pain, but a minority of patients will present with vaginal symptoms. Half of patients will exhibit systemic illness to include fever, nausea, and vomiting. Laboratory evaluation may reveal elevations in white blood cell count and other inflammatory markers. Transvaginal ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) may be utilized for diagnosis, though CT has higher sensitivity and can differentiate this disease from similarly presenting gastrointestinal pathology. Initial medical management includes antibiotics. Surgical intervention is indicated in those who fail initial medical therapy, which is more likely in those with bilateral abscesses, large abscesses, and older patients.
CONCLUSIONS
An understanding of TOA can assist emergency clinicians in diagnosing and managing this potentially deadly disease.
Topics: Abdominal Abscess; Abscess; Fallopian Tube Diseases; Female; Humans; Ovarian Diseases; Prevalence; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 35525160
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2022.04.026 -
European Journal of Clinical... May 2019Methanogens are strictly anaerobic archaea metabolising by-products of bacterial fermentation into methane by using three known metabolic pathways, i.e. the reduction of... (Review)
Review
Methanogens are strictly anaerobic archaea metabolising by-products of bacterial fermentation into methane by using three known metabolic pathways, i.e. the reduction of carbon dioxide, the fermentation of acetate or the dismutation of methanol or methylamines. Methanogens described in human microbiota include only Euryarchaeota, i.e. Methanobrevibacter smithii, Methanobrevibacter oralis, Methanobrevibacter arbophilus, Methanobrevibacter massiliensis, Methanomassiliicoccus luminyensis, Methanosphaera stadtmanae and Ca. Methanomethylophilus alvus and Ca. Methanomassiliicoccus intestinalis. Methanogens are emerging pathogens associated with brain and muscular abscesses. They have been implicated in dysbiosis of the oral microbiota, periodontitis and peri-implantitis. They have also been associated with dysbiosis of the digestive tract microbiota linked to metabolic disorders (anorexia, malnutrition and obesity) and with lesions of the digestive tract (colon cancer). Their detection in anaerobic pus specimens and oral and digestive tract specimens relies on microscopic examination by fluorescence in situ hybridisation, specific DNA extraction followed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based amplification of the 16S rRNA and mcrA gene fragments and isolation and culture in the supporting presence of hydrogen-producing bacteria. Diagnostic identification can be performed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and can be further completed by genotyping through multi-spacer sequencing and, ultimately, whole genome sequencing (WGS). Ornidazole derivatives, fusidic acid and rifampicin are the compounds to be included in in vitro susceptibility testing to complete the clinical workflow. Clinical microbiology laboratories should work toward developing cheap and easy protocols for the routine detection and identification of methanogens in selected specimens in order to refine the diagnosis of infections, as well as to expand the knowledge about this group of intriguing microorganisms.
Topics: Abscess; Bacteria, Anaerobic; Brain Abscess; Clinical Laboratory Techniques; Dysbiosis; Euryarchaeota; Gastrointestinal Tract; Humans; Microbiota; Muscles
PubMed: 30796545
DOI: 10.1007/s10096-019-03510-5 -
Anaerobe Aug 2022The objective of this study was to review the characteristics, causative bacteria, treatment and outcomes of brain abscesses due to anaerobes in our health setting.
OBJECTIVES
The objective of this study was to review the characteristics, causative bacteria, treatment and outcomes of brain abscesses due to anaerobes in our health setting.
METHODS
A retrospective analysis of all brain abscesses caused by anaerobic bacteria over the period 2005-2021 was performed.
RESULTS
Out of 300 brain abscesses identified during the study period, 31 were produced by anaerobic pathogens, either alone (monomicrobial infection) or together with aerobic and/or anaerobic bacteria (polymicrobial infection). The mean age of the 31 patients was 53 years, and 61.2% were male; 51.6% of infections were polymicrobial, with only four (12.9%) caused by anaerobic bacteria alone. Forty-three anaerobic bacteria were isolated: Cutibacterium acnes in thirteen (41.9%), Parvimonas micra in eight (25.8%), and Prevotella spp. in seven (22.5%). The most frequent etiologies were local neurosurgery (13/41.9%) and contiguous otogenic, oral, or sinus foci of infection (8/28.8%). Cancer was present in eight patients (28.8%), headaches in seventeen (54.8%), and fever in nine (28.8%). All patients received both surgery and antimicrobial therapy. The abscess was in the frontal region in 12 patients (38.7%) and in the parietal region in 11 (35.4%). A good outcome was obtained in all patients.
CONCLUSIONS
Anaerobes were isolated in 10.3% of patients with brain abscesses in our health setting, similar to other reports. C. acnes was the most frequently detected anaerobe, especially in neurosurgical patients.
Topics: Bacteria; Bacteria, Anaerobic; Brain Abscess; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Peptostreptococcus; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 35843460
DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2022.102614 -
Acta Gastro-enterologica Belgica 2022Liver abscesses are rare in the Western pediatric population and data on predisposing factors and etiology are scarce. We aimed to describe predisposing factors,...
BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS
Liver abscesses are rare in the Western pediatric population and data on predisposing factors and etiology are scarce. We aimed to describe predisposing factors, microbiological characteristics, and treatment.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Retrospective analysis of children admitted to two tertiary care hospitals in Belgium from 1 January 1996 to 31 December 2019. We analyzed clinical features, predisposing factors, imaging characteristics, microbiological data, treatment, and outcome in children with a liver abscess and compared these data with the literature.
RESULTS
We collected 24 cases with a male to female ratio of 1.4 and a median age of 3.2 years at time of diagnosis. Survival was 95.8%. Invasive culture specimens were obtained in 83.3% and showed growth of bacteria in 55%. Parenteral antibiotics were administered before invasive culture sampling in 80%. Liver abscesses were cryptogenic in four (16.7%) patients. Hepatobiliary disease was the most prevalent predisposing factor (n = 6; 25%), followed by recent antineoplastic therapy for malignancies (n = 5; 20.8%), intra-abdominal surgical pathology (n = 4; 16.7%) and umbilical venous catheters (n = 2; 8.3%). In two patients there was a parasitic origin (n = 2; 8.3%) and in one it was caused by Bartonellosis. There was no diagnosis of chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) in our cohort.
CONCLUSIONS
Pediatric liver abscesses have a favorable outcome in the developed world. Whenever feasible, invasive abscess culture specimens should be obtained. In patients presenting with a cryptogenic liver abscess or atypical disease course, immunological workup should be ensured.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Belgium; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Hospitalization; Humans; Liver Abscess; Male; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 35833905
DOI: 10.51821/85.3.10211 -
Zentralblatt Fur Chirurgie Oct 2015A lung abscess is an infectious pulmonary disease characterised by the presence of a pus-filled cavity within the lung parenchyma. The content of an abscess often drains... (Review)
Review
A lung abscess is an infectious pulmonary disease characterised by the presence of a pus-filled cavity within the lung parenchyma. The content of an abscess often drains into the airways spontaneously, leading to an air-fluid level visible on chest X-rays and CT scans. Primary lung abscesses occur in patients who are prone to aspiration or in otherwise healthy individuals; secondary lung abscesses typically develop in association with a stenosing lung neoplasm or a systemic disease that compromises immune defences, such as AIDS, or after organ transplantation. The organisms found in abscesses caused by aspiration pneumonia reflect the resident flora of the oropharynx. The most commonly isolated organisms are anaerobic bacteria (Prevotella, Bacteroides, Fusobacterium, Peptostreptococcus) or streptococci; in alcoholics with poor oral hygiene, the spectrum of pathogens includes Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes and Actinomyces. Chest radiography and computed tomography (CT) are mandatory procedures in the diagnostic algorithm. Standard treatment for a lung abscess consists of systemic antibiotic therapy, which is based on the anticipated or proven bacterial spectrum of the abscess. In most cases, primary abscesses are successfully treated by calculated empiric antibiotic therapy, with an estimated lethality rate of less than 10 %. Secondary abscesses, despite targeted antimicrobial therapy, are associated with a poor prognosis, which depends on the patient's general condition and underlying disease; lethality is as high as 75 %. Negative prognostic factors are old age, severe comorbidities, immunosuppression, bronchial obstruction, and neoplasms. Surgical intervention due to failure of conservative treatment is required in only 10 % of patients, with a success rate of up to 90 % and postoperative mortality rates ranging between 0 and 33 %. Treatment success after endoscopic or percutaneous drainage is achieved in 73 to 100 % of cases, with an acceptable mortality rate (0-9 %).
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bronchoscopy; Combined Modality Therapy; Diagnosis, Differential; Disease Progression; Humans; Lung Abscess; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Pneumonectomy; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 26351764
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1557883 -
ANZ Journal of Surgery Jul 2022Perianal abscesses are a common surgical emergency. Due to their perceived ease, drainage is often delegated to junior trainees with varying levels of experience. The...
BACKGROUND
Perianal abscesses are a common surgical emergency. Due to their perceived ease, drainage is often delegated to junior trainees with varying levels of experience. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the current trend in perianal abscesses management at our institution, and identify factors that predict subsequent fistula formation or abscess recurrence.
METHODS
All acute patients admitted to a major teaching hospital who required surgical drainage of a perianal abscess were analysed over a two-year period from January 2019 to December 2020. Patient demographics, clinical and laboratory findings were retrospectively reviewed. Proceduralist experience, operative management strategy and recurrence rates (fistula or abscess) were analysed.
RESULTS
The mean age of patients was 43 years old, and 73% were male. Trainees performed 96% of the procedures. Re-presentation with a fistula or abscess recurrence requiring further surgery was 31%. Comorbidities of IBD, diabetes, or malignancy were present in one-third of patients and significantly increased the risk of recurrence (P = 0.01). Searching for a fistula tract was performed in 41% of cases but did not reduce recurrence (P = 0.9). Seton insertion occurred in 10%, and fistulotomy in 2%.
CONCLUSION
Perianal abscess drainage at our institution is almost exclusively performed by trainees, the majority of which occurs after-hours. Patients who present with a fever, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes mellitus or malignancy are at an increased risk of recurrent abscess or a subsequent fistula after drainage, and input from an experienced surgeon may be of value when considering seton insertion or fistulotomy.
Topics: Abscess; Adult; Anus Diseases; Drainage; Female; Humans; Male; Rectal Fistula; Recurrence; Retrospective Studies; Skin Diseases; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35485429
DOI: 10.1111/ans.17750 -
BMC Urology Jul 2016The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for abscess formation in acute bacterial prostatitis, and to compare treatment outcomes between abscess group and...
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for abscess formation in acute bacterial prostatitis, and to compare treatment outcomes between abscess group and non-abscess group.
METHODS
This is a multicenter, retrospective cohort study. All patients suspected of having an acute prostatic infection underwent computed tomography or transrectal ultrasonography to discriminate acute prostatic abscesses from acute prostatitis without abscess formation.
RESULTS
A total of 31 prostate abscesses were reviewed among 142 patients with acute prostatitis. Univariate analysis revealed that symptom duration, diabetes mellitus and voiding disturbance were predisposing factors for abscess formation in acute prostatitis. However, diabetes mellitus was not related to prostate abscess in multivariate analysis. Patients with abscesses <20 mm in size did not undergo surgery and were cured without any complications. In contrast, patients with abscesses >20 mm who underwent transurethral resection had a shorter duration of antibiotic treatment than did those who did not have surgery. Regardless of surgical treatment, both the length of hospital stay and antibiotic treatment were longer in patients with prostatic abscesses than they were in those without abscesses. However, the incidence of septic shock was not different between the two groups. A wide spectrum of microorganisms was responsible for prostate abscesses. In contrast, Escherichia coli was the predominant organism responsible for acute prostatitis without abscess.
CONCLUSION
Imaging studies should be considered when patients with acute prostatitis have delayed treatment and signs of voiding disturbance. Early diagnosis is beneficial because prostatic abscesses require prolonged treatment protocols, or even require surgical drainage. Surgical drainage procedures such as transurethral resection of the prostate were not necessary in all patients with prostate abscesses. However, surgical intervention may have potential merits that reduce the antibiotic exposure period and enhance voiding function in patients with prostatic abscess.
Topics: Abscess; Acute Disease; Cohort Studies; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Prostatitis; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 27388006
DOI: 10.1186/s12894-016-0153-7 -
Emergency Medicine Practice May 2022Cellulitis and other skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTIs) are common presentations in the emergency department. This review describes the varied etiologies and... (Review)
Review
Cellulitis and other skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTIs) are common presentations in the emergency department. This review describes the varied etiologies and patient presentations of the more common SSTIs: cellulitis, abscesses, and necrotizing soft-tissue infections. A discussion of the common diagnoses masquerading as SSTIs is presented, as well as a stepwise approach to avoiding misdiagnosis. Diagnostic studies are also evaluated, including discussions on ultrasound, computed tomography, and clinical decision rules. This review also provides an evidence-based analysis of the controversies in management of abscesses, including the commonly utilized techniques of incision and drainage, irrigation, packing, and concurrent antibiotic therapy.
Topics: Abscess; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Cellulitis; Drainage; Emergency Service, Hospital; Humans; Soft Tissue Infections
PubMed: 35467810
DOI: No ID Found -
The Journal of Emergency Medicine Mar 2021Abscesses are commonly evaluated and managed in the emergency department. Recent research has evaluated the use of ultrasonography, packing, incision and drainage (I&D),... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Abscesses are commonly evaluated and managed in the emergency department. Recent research has evaluated the use of ultrasonography, packing, incision and drainage (I&D), and antibiotics. There are evidence-based nuances to the management of specific types of abscesses, such as Bartholin, breast, dental, hidradenitis suppurativa, peritonsillar, and pilonidal abscesses.
OBJECTIVE
This review provides emergency medicine clinicians with a summary of the current literature regarding abscess management in the emergency department.
DISCUSSION
Ultrasound is valuable in diagnosing abscesses that are not clinically evident and in guiding I&D procedures. Although I&D is traditionally followed by packing, this practice may be unnecessary for small abscesses. Antibiotics, needle aspiration, and loop drainage are suitable alternatives to I&D of abscesses with certain characteristics. Oral antibiotics can improve outcomes after I&D, although this improvement must be weighed against potential risks. Many strategies are useful in managing Bartholin abscesses, with the Word catheter proving consistently effective. Needle aspiration is the recommended first-line therapy for small breast abscesses. Dental abscesses are often diagnosed with clinical examination alone, but ultrasound may be a useful adjunct. Acute abscess formation caused by hidradenitis suppurativa should be managed surgically by excision when possible, because I&D has a high rate of abscess recurrence. Peritonsillar abscesses can be diagnosed with either intraoral or transcervical ultrasound if clinical examination is inconclusive. Needle aspiration and I&D are both suitable for the management of peritonsillar abscesses. Pilonidal abscesses have traditionally been managed with I&D, but needle aspiration with antibiotics may be a suitable alternative.
CONCLUSIONS
This review evaluates the recent literature surrounding abscess management for emergency medicine clinicians.
Topics: Breast Diseases; Drainage; Emergency Medicine; Humans; Peritonsillar Abscess; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 33298356
DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2020.10.043