Resolution ofhepatic abscess after interferon gamma inchronic granulomatous disease

interferon gammahasbeen usedprophylactically in children with chronicgranulomatous disease, butits roleinthetreatment ofacuteinfective episodes hasnotbeendefined. A 3yearold boypresented withmultiple candidal liver abscesses andwasgiven intravenous anti- fungal treatment andheshowedinitial improvement. After sixweekshiserythro- cytesedimentation rateandC reactive protein remained raised, andacomputed tomogramshowedasingle abscess inthe left lobeoftheliver fromwhichpuswas drainedand Staphylococcus aureus isolated. Duringthenexteight monthsthe abscesspersisted despite appropriate intravenous antibiotics andpercutaneous drainage. Subphrenic extension pre- cludeddefinitive surgery. Ninemonths afterinitial presentation recombinant interferon gamma 005 mg/m2intra- venously was commencedthreetimesa week. Completeresolution occurred within twomonths.Itisconcluded that interferon gamma isuseful intreating infective episodes, andfurther studyof theuse of prophylactic antimicrobial treatmentand intermittent interferon gamma duringacuteepisodes isnow required. (Arch DisChild 1993; 69:443-445)