Epidemiological Trends in Brain Abscess Management and Mortality in an Aging Population: A Nationwide Study in the Republic of Korea (2005–2022)
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objective: We aimed to analyze nationwide trends in the diagnosis and management of brain abscess and the associated 6-month mortality in the Republic of Korea between 2005 and 2022. Methods: We conducted a retrospective nationwide cohort study using data from the National Health Insurance Service database in the Republic of Korea from 2005 to 2022. Patients hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of brain abscess who underwent brain imaging and either lumbar puncture or surgical intervention were included. Patient demographics, treatment modality, and 6-month all-cause mortality trends were analyzed. Results: Among 8,857 identified patients with brain abscess, 64.5% were male individuals. The mean patient age increased from 49.7 years in 2005 to 60.5 years in 2022, indicating a shift toward an older patient population. Nevertheless, the annual incidence of brain abscesses remained stable at 0.7-1.2 cases per 100,000 people. Regarding surgical management, we observed a decrease in the use of craniotomy and an increase in the use of burr hole drainage over time. The overall 6-month mortality rate was 15.6%, and it did not change significantly during the study period. Mortality was relatively higher in older patients, reaching 36.6% in those aged ≥80 years. Conclusion: Despite an increase in the mean age of patients with brain abscess, both incidence and 6-month mortality rate have remained stable over 18 years. As the population ages, age-adapted management strategies become increasingly important. These findings offer valuable insights for optimizing clinical care and informing health policies on brain abscesses within ageing societies.
Source: Korean Journal of Neurotrauma
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7221625837