the study of risk factors affecting the prognosis of lung abscess

in spite the emergence of potent and broad spectrum antibiotics and recent advances in bronchoscopy and pulmonary physiotherapy, still there is a high rate of morbidity and mortality because of lung abscess. the objective of this study is the indication of risk factors, which have undesirable effects on the prognosis of lung abscess. in a retrospective study, all cases of lung abscess who was confined to bed during 1994 to 1999 in rasht were collected and analyzed. from 52 cases, 40 (77%) were male and 12 (23%) were female. the mean duration of stay was 20 day (15 to 35). the secondary cause for lung abscess was as follows: 10 cases (19%) copd, 10 cases (19%) preumonia, 15 cases (29%) bronchiectasia 2 cases lung cancer, 2 cases lung hydatid cyst and 3 cases atelectasia. extrapulmonary causes of lung abscess were consist of: 10 case (10%) aspiration, 10 case (19%) esophageal diseases tending to reflux, 5 case (9%) periodontal disease. the factors, which had underiable effects on prognosis of disease were lung cancer, anemia, hypoalbuminemia, age over 60, abscess with pseudomonas, abscess cavity greater thus 8 cm, lower lobe in right lung and tb. because of high mortality and morbidity of lung abscess, due attention for internal drainage, bronchoscopy, physiotherapy and timed surgery are seriously indicated.