Pyogenic Liver Abscess in Taiwan
Author Information
Author(s): Tsai Feng-Chiao, Huang Yu-Tsung, Chang Luan-Yin, Wang Jin-Town
Primary Institution: National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
Hypothesis
The study aims to analyze the incidence and risk factors associated with pyogenic liver abscess in Taiwan.
Conclusion
The incidence of pyogenic liver abscess in Taiwan has increased significantly, while the death rate has decreased over time.
Supporting Evidence
- The annual incidence of pyogenic liver abscess increased from 11.15/100,000 in 1996 to 17.59/100,000 in 2004.
- Diabetes, malignancy, renal disease, and pneumonia were associated with a higher risk for the disease.
- Death rates due to pyogenic liver abscess decreased over time.
Takeaway
This study shows that more people in Taiwan are getting pyogenic liver abscess, but fewer are dying from it because of better medical care.
Methodology
A nationwide analysis using data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance database from 1996 to 2004.
Potential Biases
Potential bias from the exclusion of patients with more than five underlying diseases.
Limitations
The study lacks microbiologic data and may have biases due to the coding of diagnoses.
Participant Demographics
The study included 29,703 patients, predominantly male (61.7%), with a median age of 61 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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