Amebic liver abscesses among neonates can mimic bacterial sepsis

Abstract

Amebic liver abscesses are unusual among neonates. Three (3.6%) of 83 children who presented to a university hospital with amebic liver abscesses in a 17-year period were neonates (<28 days of age). Patients presented with nonspecific clinical and laboratory findings mimicking fulminant neonatal sepsis. Diagnosis was delayed and was based on the presence of a hypoechoic lesion in the liver, antibodies against Entamoeba histolytica and microbiologic examination of pus. In addition to parenteral metronidazole treatment and early ultrasound-guided aspiration of the abscess, intensive care is vital for the treatment of neonates with amebic liver abscesses.