Prognosis

Despite advances in the treatment of patients with lung abscess, overall mortality remains high, ranging from 10% in uncomplicated cases to as high as 75% in the presence of cancer, immunosuppression, altered consciousness, anaemia, and pneumonia (including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, or Klebsiella pneumoniae).​[9][10]​​[18]​ The presence of adverse underlying conditions and the virulence of the responsible pathogen are the principal factors determining an adverse clinical outcome.[4]

Factors associated with increased mortality include the presence of an underlying condition, such as pneumonia, a neoplasm, or altered consciousness; anaemia (haemoglobin <100 g/L [<10 g/dL]); and infections with Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or Klebsiella pneumoniae infection. Larger lung abscesses and those located in the right lower lobe are also associated with higher mortality.[18]​ Host factors associated with poor prognosis include advanced age, debilitation, malnutrition, symptom duration >8 weeks, and immunosuppression (e.g., HIV infection).[4][65]

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