title: Sequential intravenous/oral antibiotic vs. continuous intravenous antibiotic in the treatment of pyogenic liver abscess.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Pyogenic liver abscesses result in substantial morbidity and mortality. Antimicrobial regimens using sequential intravenous/oral therapy may reduce the length of hospital stay. In this retrospective analysis, the efficacy of continuous intravenous antibiotic therapy (group I) vs. sequential intravenous/oral antibiotic therapy (group II) was studied in patients with pyogenic liver abscess.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred and twelve consecutive patients (55 in group I and 57 in group II) with pyogenic liver abscess were analysed. Clinical response, length of hospital stay and relapse rates were examined.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Group II had a significantly shorter duration of intravenous antibiotic treatment (3.2 weeks vs. 5.9 weeks, P < 0.01) and a shorter length of hospital stay (28 days vs. 42 days, P < 0.01) when compared to group I. Oral antibiotics were prescribed for a median duration of 2.9 weeks in group II after discharge. No relapse occurred within 6 weeks after the completion of treatment in both groups. The cost of therapy was significantly lower in group II than in group I by 33%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A sequential intravenous/oral antibiotic regime is a safe and effective treatment for pyogenic liver abscess. This reduces the cost of therapy and the length of hospital stay.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Ruttonjee Hospital, Hong Kong, ROC.
authors.forename: F H
authors.initials: FH
authors.lastname: Ng
authors.forename: W M
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.forename: B C Y
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kng
authors.forename: S Y
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.forename: K C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Lai
authors.forename: C S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Cheng
authors.forename: W C
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Yuen
authors.forename: S K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Lam
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Lai
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007902:Length of Stay; D008100:Liver Abscess / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents