Brain Abscess in Infants and Children: A Retrospective Study of 107 Patients in Northeast Thailand
Narong Auvichayapat MD*, Paradee Auvichayapat MD**, Sorarit Aungwarawong MD***
Affiliation : * Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen ** Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen *** Department of Pediatrics, Maha Sarakham Hospital, Maha Sarakham
Objective : To review the clinical manifestation, predisposing factor, location of abscess, causative organism,
treatment, and outcome of brain abscess.
Study
Design : Descriptive retrospective study.
Setting : Srinagarind Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon
Kaen.
Materials and Methods : One hundred and seven infants and children with brain abscess that admitted between
1985 and 2005 are analyzed retrospectively.
Results : The mean age was 8.4 years. The male-to-female ratio was 1.3:1. The most common predisposing
factor was congenital heart disease. The most common organisms in congenital heart disease, chronic otitis
media, and unknown source were Streptococci, Proteus, and Staphylococcus aureus respectively. Two very
rare cases of Citrobacter freundii brain abscesses were reported. Only 9.4% had classic triad signs and
symptoms of brain abscess. The overall mortality rate was 10.7%.
Conclusion : The clinical features and outcomes of treatments of 107 infants and children with brain abscesses
were reviewed. Congenital heart diseases and chronic otitis media were the most common predisposing
factors. The common signs and symptoms were fever, headache, vomiting, alteration of consciousness, and
focal neurologic deficit. The overall mortality rate was 10.7%.
Keywords : Brain abscess, Congenital heart disease, Chronic otitis media, Citrobacter freundii
