Qureshi HU, Habib AA, Siddiqui AA, Mozaffar T, Sarwari AR.
Predictors of Mortality in Brain Abscess.
Infect Dis J Jan ;9(2):2-5.

Brain abscess carries significant morbidity and mortality. All patients with a brain abscess presenting to a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan, were studied retrospectively to assess the predictors of mortality. Among the 66 patients analyzed, a distant metastatic focus of infection was the most commonly identified predisposing factor (29%). Otogenic infection was the commonest contiguous source and sinusitis was noticeably absent. Multiple abscesses were frequent (35%). Streptococci were the most common isolates (39%). Lumbar puncture was performed in 44% and steroids administered in 33%. Treatment was surgical in 58%. Most comatose patients were treated conservatively. Overall mortality was 29%. Univariate analysis identified comatose presentation and identification of a distant focus of infection as predictors of mortality. The logistic regression model, however, identified a distant focus of infection as the only independent predictor. Corticosteroid use, multiple abscesses, performance of lumbar puncture and conservative management did not affect mortality.

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