Liver abscess in neonates and umbilical line : a possible association

Abstract

Liver abscesses in newborn are uncommon; approximately 100 cases of liver abscess have been published since 1936. Twenty one patients with neonatal liver abscess were included during the period of study with a prevalence of 0,07%. Clinical signs included: hepatomegaly, fever, respiratory and digestive symptoms. Predisposing factors included association with a umbilical line (all cases), prematurity and low birth weight (33%) and necrotizing enterocolitis (24%). Causative organisms included Candida and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Rate of death was about 14,2%. Conclusion: Neonatal hepatic abscesses are rare. Early use of ultra sound is recommended on any suspicion of abdominal pathology.