title: Ten-year series of splenic abscesses in a general hospital in Singapore.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Splenic abscess is an uncommon clinical problem. Traditionally, the "gold standard" treatment has been splenectomy. However, there is increasing use of non-operative treatments worldwide.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 10-year (1996-2005) retrospective review of case records from a single centre (an 800-bed general hospital) was performed. Information regarding demographics, clinical presentation, aetiological agents and management was gathered and analysed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were 21 cases from 1996 to 2005. Nineteen (90%) had multiple abscesses. Disseminated melioidosis was the most common aetiological agent (15 cases, 71%). Only 3 patients underwent splenectomy. The remainder were treated conservatively with antibiotics. Almost all the patients (19, 90%) also suffered from diabetes mellitus.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The most common aetiological agent encountered was Burkholderia pseudomallei. Diabetes mellitus may be an important co-factor in the pathogenesis of splenic abscesses. The majority of our patients were managed conservatively and splenectomy was only occasionally required.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore. cheeyungng@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Chee Yung
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Ng
authors.forename: E Chuan
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Leong
authors.forename: Hong Chee
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Chng
mesh_terms: D000038:Abscess / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016470:Bacteremia / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006769:Hospitals, General / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008554:Melioidosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012846:Singapore / Q000453:epidemiology; D013158:Splenic Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents