Splenic abscess: Conservative management in children

Abstract

Isolated splenic abscess is rare in children, and occurs predominantly in the immunocompromised, with high rates of mortality and morbidity. We reviewed seven cases of splenic abscess managed at our centre. Six out of seven children (aged 7 months - 15 years, four male and three female) had multiple abscesses. Fever, abdominal pain, hepatosplenomegaly and leukocytosis were the predominant clinical manifestations. Burkholderia pseudomallei and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus aureus were isolated as the causative agents in two children. Five children were successfully managed conservatively, and two with ultrasonography-guided aspiration. Early institution of parenteral antibiotics and ultrasonography-/computed tomography-guided aspiration can help in preventing splenectomy in such children.