Hepatic abscess in neonates.

Hepatic abscess in the neonatal period is a rare but serious disorder. To our knowledge, only 24 cases have been reported in the literature; this study presents 13 additional cases. The most common associated factors are sepsis, vessel cannulation, and abdominal surgery. The etiologic agent is variable. The abscess is usually multiple in the liver and involves other organs as well. In such instances, only supportive and vigorous antibiotic therapy can be offered. However, solitary liver abscess does occur, and this is theoretically amenable to surgical drainage. Thus, its recognition is of great importance.