There was no significant difference in relation to the resolution of fever , abscess size , and hospital stay .
The beneficial effects of PA were seen with medium-to-large ( > 5 cm ) ALA and not with small ( < 5 cm ) ALA .
Percutaneous aspiration as compared with metronidazole alone results in the early resolution of pain and tenderness in patients with medium-to-large ALA .
Percutaneous catheter drainage is better for larger ALA .
The role of metronidazole alone , percutaneous aspiration ( PA ) , and percutaneous catheter drainage ( PCD ) in the treatment of uncomplicated amebic liver abscess ( ALA ) is still unclear .
This systematic review and meta- analysis evaluated the available evidence s with regard to treatment modalities in such patients .
Treatment of Amoebic Liver Abscess with Tinidazole and Metronidazole
Summary 20 patients with amoebic liver abscess , confirmed by aspiration of typical amoebic ‘ pus ’ , were treated in r and om order with either tinidazole or metronidazole in a dose of 2 g once daily for 2 days . Clinical , radiological , and biochemical follow-up was done for 1 month . One patient , given metronidazole  , absconded and 19 completed the trial . Complete recovery occurred in all 10 patients given tinidazole but in only 5 of the 9 given metronidazole ( p = 0.05 ) . Patients on tinidazole required repeat aspirations less frequently than those on metronidazole .  Mild gastrointestinal side-effects occurred in 1 patient on metronidazole but in none on tinidazole . From the present study , tinidazole appears to be a more effective , better tolerated drug with a more rapid therapeutic effect than metronidazole
There was no significant difference in relation to the resolution of fever , abscess size , and hospital stay .
The beneficial effects of PA were seen with medium-to-large ( > 5 cm ) ALA and not with small ( < 5 cm ) ALA .
Percutaneous aspiration as compared with metronidazole alone results in the early resolution of pain and tenderness in patients with medium-to-large ALA .
Percutaneous catheter drainage is better for larger ALA .
The role of metronidazole alone , percutaneous aspiration ( PA ) , and percutaneous catheter drainage ( PCD ) in the treatment of uncomplicated amebic liver abscess ( ALA ) is still unclear .
This systematic review and meta- analysis evaluated the available evidence s with regard to treatment modalities in such patients .