Clinical features of acute obstructive suppurative cholangitis (AOSC) in the old age

: Nineteen cases (male 6, female 13) of acute obstructive suppurative cholangitis (AOSC) were divided into 2 groups and were studied, Group A; over 70 yrs old (12), Group B; under 70 yrs old (7). The most frequent etiology of AOSC was choledocholithiasis (Group A 75%, Group B 43%). Urgent biliary drainage was performed in 18 cases, and which were clinically improved. The decreasing rate of bilirubin were fair in both groups and only 2 cases in Group A were dead. Concerning with the laboratory findings on admission, Group A had a higher level of BUN than Group B, and there were no other significant differences. Complications were frequently occurred in Group A (Shock 83%, DIC 83%, Renal failure 42%). The diameter of choledochus at biliary drainage was below 9 mm in 45% of cases in Group A, which implied the rapid progression to AOSC from the onset of biliary obstruction. Early diagnosis and urgent biliary drainage were essential for the management of AOSC in the old age.