Document Type
Article
Department
Neurosurgery; Neurology; Department of Medicine
Abstract
Objective: Brain abscess carries significant morbidity and mortality. Our objective was to elucidate the clinical presentation of brain abscess and to assess predictors of mortality in these patients.
Methods: All patients with a brain abscess presenting to the Aga Khan University Hospital, a tertiary care referral center in Karachi, Pakistan, were studied retrospectively. Statistical analysis involved univariate analysis and a logistic regression model.
Results: Among the 66 patients analyzed, a distant metastatic focus of infection was the most commonly identified predisposing factor (29%). Otogenic infection was the commonest contiguous source and sinusitis was noticeably absent. Multiple abscesses were frequent (35%). Streptococci were the most common isolates (39%). Lumbar puncture was performed in 44% and steroids administered in 33%. Treatment was surgical in 58%. Most comatose patients were treated conservatively. Overall mortality was 29%. Univariate analysis identified comatose presentation and identification of a distant focus of infection as predictors of mortality. The logistic regression model, however, identified a distant focus of infection as the only independent predictor.
Conclusion: Age greater than 30 years, corticosteroid use, multiple abscesses, performance of lumbar puncture and conservative management had no affect on outcome.
Publication (Name of Journal)
JPMA. The Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association
Recommended Citation
Qureshi, H. U.,
Habib, A. A.,
Siddiqui, A. A.,
Mozaffar, T.,
Sarwari, A. R.
(2002). Predictors of mortality in brain abscess. JPMA. The Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 52(3), 111-116.
Available at:
https://ecommons.aku.edu/pakistan_fhs_mc_surg_neurosurg/139