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Critical Care Management Considerations in Klebsiella pneumoniae Invasive Liver Abscess Syndrome: Case Reports and Narrative Review

Chen J, Horan C, Wadhwani K, Dammert PM, Sophy E

Case reports in critical care, 2026

Abstract

Importance: Klebsiella pneumoniae invasive liver abscess syndrome (ILAS) is an emerging disease characterized by liver abscess without biliary disease, often with multiorgan metastatic infection. It can cause severe critical illness with significant morbidity and disability. There remains limited literature and understanding of this syndrome in the United States.

Objectives: This article aims to describe the clinical characteristics of hospitalized and critically ill patients with ILAS and providing management considerations for critical care clinicians.

Main outcomes and measures: Adult patients admitted to Scripps Health from Janurary 1, 2018 to April 1, 2024 were reviewed. Inclusion criteria required radiographic evidence of a liver abscess and cultures (blood or abscess) positive for K. pneumoniae. Data collected included demographics, symptoms and signs, laboratory and radiologic data, metastatic infection characteristics, treatment, mortality, and morbidity. Patient cases were described, and a narrative review describing clinical, therapeutic, and prognostic characteristics was conducted.

Results: Six patients had ILAS. Mean age was 54.8 years, no immunosuppression (defined as underlying malignancy, drug-induced, or chronic infection), 83% had diabetes, 50% were male, and 50% were of Asian ethnicity. Liver abscesses were multilocular (50%), and all had percutaneous catheter drainage. Fifty percent of patients developed distant metastatic infections: emphysematous…

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