Outcomes of Gas-Forming Pyogenic Liver Abscess Are Comparable to Non-Gas-Forming Pyogenic Liver Abscess in the Era of Multi-Modal Care: A Propensity Score Matched Study

Background: Gas-forming pyogenic liver abscess (GFPLA) occurs in 7%-24% of all PLAs and has been associated traditionally with high mortality rates. Studies have suggested that the use of a proactive approach of prompt resuscitation, parenteral antibiotic agents, percutaneous drainage, and a dedicated multi-disciplinary team may improve clinical outcomes. Hence, we aim to investigate whether the clinical outcomes of PLA are determined by gas formation. Methods: This is a retrospective study of patients with PLA from 2007 to 2011. A 1:2 propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed using age, co-morbid diabetes mellitus, presence of septic shock, hemoglobin levels, international normalized ratio, creatinine, total bilirubin, positive blood culture and pus culture, and the size of abscess. Baseline demographics, clinical profile, and peri-operative data were compared. Results: There were 213 patients who had PLA: 41 (19.2%) patients had GFPLA and 172 (80.8%) patients had non-GFPLA. The PSM analysis resulted in a total of 108 patients (36 GFPLA and 72 non-GFPLA). Median duration of parenteral antibiotic agents was significantly lower in the GFPLA group (9.5 d vs. 14 d, p = 0.044), but median total duration of antibiotic use was comparable (GFPLA 39 d vs. non-GFPLA 37 d, p = 0.634). Median length of stay (days) did not differ significantly between GFPLA and non-GFPLA (14 vs. 15, p = 0.299). There were no statistically significant differences between GFLPA and non-GFLPA in the need for percutaneous drainage (26/36 (72.2%) vs. 47/72 (65.3%), respectively, p = 0.467) and in-hospital all-cause death (4/36 (11.1%) vs. 7 (9.7%), p = 0.822) Conclusions: Outcomes of GFPLA are comparable to those of non-GFPLA in the era of multi-modal care.