RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Pyogenic liver abscesses are insidious in the early stage. Some cases progress rapidly, and the patient's condition can worsen and even become life-threatening if timely treatment is not provided. Surgery and prolonged antibiotic treatment are often required if the abscess is large and liquefied and becomes separated within the lumen. CASE SUMMARY: We report a case of bacterial liver abscess with a poor outcome following pharmacological treatment, review the literature related to the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of hepatic impairment and partial hepatectomy in animals, and discuss the prognostic features of surgical incision and drainage combined with PRP in the treatment of bacterial liver abscesses. This is the first case describing the use of PRP in the treatment of a bacterial liver abscess in humans, providing new ideas for the treatment of this condition. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the importance of surgical treatment for bacterial liver abscesses that are well liquefied and poorly managed medically. PRP may produce antimicrobial effects and promote the regeneration and repair of liver tissue.