Pyogenic liver abscesses in peritoneal dialysis patients: A single-centre retrospective case series

Abstract

Peritoneal dialysis (PD)-related infection rates have improved, but serious complications such as liver abscesses remain an issue, posing unique management challenges including safety of continuing PD versus early PD catheter removal. Current literature describing this is unfortunately limited. This study aims to describe the characteristics, management and outcomes of liver abscesses in PD patients from a retrospective review of prevalent PD patients on follow-up at Tan Tock Seng Hospital between 1st January 2016 and 30th June 2021. A total of 11/383 PD patients (2.9%) were treated for liver abscesses. Most were diabetic ( n =10, 90.9%), with a median PD vintage of 541 days (interquartile range: 310–931 days). Fever ( n = 7, 63.6%), bacteraemia ( n = 7, 63.6%) and concomitant PD peritonitis ( n = 7, 63.6%) were the most common presenting symptoms. Majority of patients underwent radiological aspiration of abscess in addition to antibiotics ( n = 7, 63.6%). PD catheter was removed in eight patients (72.7%), with the most common indications being empirical removal due to intra-abdominal abscess ( n = 5, 62.5%) followed by septic shock ( n = 2, 25%) and refractory PD peritonitis ( n = 1, 12.5%). Only three patients (37.5%) remained on PD, as they did not develop PD peritonitis during their course of treatment. The overall mortality remains high with three patients (27.3%) passing away within 6 months of presentation. Liver abscesses in PD patients is associated with poor technique and overall survival. Absence of PD peritonitis appears to be a good prognostic factor, but larger studies are required to guide the optimal management of liver abscesses in PD patients.