A STUDY PROFILE OF LUNG ABSCESS PATIENT COMING TO TERTIARY CARE CENTER AHMEDABAD

Abstract

Introduction: In the strict sense, all lesions sue to suppuration and necrosis in the substance of the lung should rank as abscess. In this study are abscesses due to tuberculosis, fungal infections, necrosis in malignant tumours and infected cysts. The mortality and morbidity rates for lung abscess decreased significantly with advent of modern antibiotic therapy beginning with discovery and use of penicillin in mid 1940’s. Newer antibiotics have extended the armamentarium and further reduced the mortality and morbidity rates.

Material and Methods: 25 patients presenting to the Pulmonary Medicine Department, Smt.N.H.L Municipal Medical College, shardaben hospital saraspur Ahmadabad, who were suffering from lung abcess, were studied.Various parameters considered included age, sex, Occupation and socio-economic status etc.

Results: The peak age incidence of occurrence of lung abscess was between 41-50 years and the major predisposing factor was poor oral hygiene in 68% cases in present study. Alcoholism might have favoured aspiration by altered mentation. Haemoptysis was observed in 24%, Clubbing was observed in 28% and Leucocytosis was present in 36% in present study. Potential pathogens were comprising 60%. Most commonly involved segments were superior segment of lower lobe and posterior segment of the upper lobe. 96% patients required only medical treatment. Surgical intervention was required only in one case.

Conclusion:.Medical treatment found very effective, surgical intervention was rarely required.Penicillins alone or in combination with other antimicrobials was found to be very effective.Satisfactory response was achieved in 80% cases. No correlation was observed between anatomical location of abscess and response to medical treatment.