Correlation between abscess volume and liver function test in liver abscess

Abstract

Background: Liver abscess is highly prevalent in India due to poor sanitation, overcrowding, inadequate nutrition, chronic alcoholism and diabetes. The modern diagnostics like ultrasound and computed tomography to locate and drain the abscess have reduced the mortality to 2-12%. However, due to the complications of liver abscess especially the amebic ones the morbidity is still high. This study aims to study the correlation of various LFT parameters with abscess volume which can render the opportunity for early detection of high risk patients, start early treatment thus reducing the overall morbidity. Methods: The study was conducted over a period of 6 months on 50 patients of liver abscess. History and physical examination was done. All patients were subjected to complete hemogram, liver function test, coagulation profile (PT/INR) and USG abdomen. The data was recorded and compiled in excel sheets and analyzed using Pearsons correlation coefficient (R) method.Results: The mean age of the patients was 45 years with male preponderance. Amoebic liver abscess was predominant. Alcoholism, smoking and diabetes mellitus were the main predisposing factors. Fever, right upper quadrant pain, elevated ALP, low albumin, increased PT INR points towards the diagnosis of liver abscess. Complications seen were pleural effusion (26%), ascites (36%) and intraperitoneal rupture (6%). On analysis, liver abscess size is significantly positively correlated with INR, ALP, liver enzymes and negatively correlated with serum albumin level.Conclusions: An early diagnosis and a prompt management of liver abscess is necessary to hault its progression and avoid serious complications like intraperitoneal rupture which causes significant morbidity. Thus, LFT can be used to estimate the liver abscess size and predict the severity and prognosis of patient.