BIOCHEMICAL MARKERS IN LIVER ABSCESS AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE

Abstract

Introduction: A liver abscess is a suppurative cavity in the liver resulting from the invasion and multiplication of microorganisms, entering directly from an injury, through the blood vessels or by the way of the biliary ductal system. The present proposed study is aimed to assess the prognostic value of serum C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase and gamma glutamyl transferase in the outcome of liver abscess. Methods: Serum Levels of C-reactive Protein (CRP), Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) and Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) were measured in 125 patients with sonographic evidence of liver abscess at the time of diagnosis and weekly thereafter till 2 weeks after fever subsided. Results: CRP value at the time of admission was generally high and values were higher in larger size abscesses, indicates severity of disease. Its value gradually decreased with treatment and resolution of liver abscess. LDH value at the time of admission was generally on higher side of normal limit but showed a decreasing pattern in response to treatment and resolution of abscess. GGTvalue at the time of admission was high and gradually its level has decreased with treatment and resolution of liver abscess. However, it remained above normal levels in patients with history of alcohol addiction. Conclusion: Higher value of CRP, LDH, GGT correlate with severity of liver abscess disease. These serum markers have prognostic signicance.