[Brain abscess. Prognostic factors].

Thirty-eight cases of cerebral abscess were analysed retrospectively for any factors that might influence outcome. Using the "Glasgow outcome score", age, history, level of consciousness, as well as various computed tomography findings (cisternal swelling, compression of the ventricular system, degree of oedema and size of abscess) were considered for their prognostic value. It was found that age over 40 years and clouded consciousness exerted a statistically significant unfavourable effect (P less than 0.05). Outcome was also unfavourable in half the patients with multiple abscesses, but the number of cases (six) was too small to be statistically significant. All other variables had no statistically significant influence on prognosis.