Chang et al identified risk factors for patients with a splenic abscess. These can help to identify patients who may benefit from more aggressive management. The authors are from Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
The mortality rate in the authors' series of 67 patients was 18%.
Risk factors associated with a poor prognosis:
(1) multiple splenic abscesses
(2) presence of Gram-negative bacteria
(3) a high APACHE II score
Prognostic Group
APACHE II Score
survived
7.2 +/- 3.8
died
16.3 +/- 3.2
If the mean +/- 2 SD is used to define the respective ranges
APACHE II Score
Prognosis
< 9.9
good
9.9 to 14.4
indeterminate
> 14.4
poor
In addition, a delay in therapy may worsen the prognosis.
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