Prognostic Factors Affecting Outcomes of Percutaneous Catheter Drainage (PCD) in Liver Abscess Treatment

Outcomes of Percutaneous Catheter Drainage (PCD) in Liver Abscess Treatment

Abstract

Percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) is the mainstay treatment for liver abscesses; however, factors influencing the duration of catheter placement remain unclear. This retrospective study aimed to identify factors associated with treatment outcomes in patients with liver abscesses managed by PCD. We reviewed 94 patients diagnosed with liver abscess who underwent PCD between 2015 and 2025. Most patients were male (59.7%) with a mean age of 57 years. Sixty-two patients (66%) had catheter removal within 45 days. Univariate analysis revealed that a hematocrit (Hct) level below 29% was significantly associated with an increased risk of prolonged catheterization beyond 45 days (relative risk 2.90; 95% CI 1.34-6.28; p = 0.007). Other factors, including sex, age, number of abscesses, abscess size, and location, were not significantly associated with catheter duration. In conclusion, anemia (Hct < 29%) is a significant predictor of prolonged catheter duration in patients with liver abscesses treated with PCD. Early assessment of anemia should be considered, as it is associated with prolonged catheter duration. However, anemia may reflect underlying disease severity or chronic conditions, and it remains unclear whether correction of anemia would directly improve outcomes. Further studies should be conducted to determine the impact of correcting anemia on outcomes