Risk Factors for Pyogenic Liver Abscess Caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background: Pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae can vary in severity, and several risk factors for the development of PLA have been implicated. However, few studies to date have explored these risk factors. Methods: In this retrospective study spanning from February 2013 to December 2022, we investigated patients with PLA caused by K. pneumoniae infection. Using logistic regression analysis, we sought to identify factors associated with positive blood culture, septic shock, and intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Results: The study involved 200 patients. We found that an elevated procalcitonin (PCT) level (odds ratio [OR]: 1.02, p = 0.03), higher glucose (GLU) level (OR: 1.13, p = 0.03), and lower total cholesterol (TC) level (OR: 0.43, p = 0.01) were associated with a higher likelihood of positive blood bacteriological culture. Additionally, an increased PCT level (OR: 1.03, p = 0.02) and lower TC level (OR: 0.25, p < 0.01) were associated with an elevated risk of septic shock. Furthermore, a higher PCT level (OR: 1.04, p < 0.01) was associated with a higher probability of ICU admission. Conclusion: In patients with PLA caused by K. pneumoniae, the PCT, GLU, and TC levels were found to be associated with positive blood culture, septic shock, and ICU admission.