Liver dysfunction is commonly seen in patients with severe sepsis; however, few studies were reported in intra-abdominal infections (IAIs). This study was performed to assess the risk factors for early liver dysfunction (ELD) in patients with IAIs and to determine the effects of ELD on outcomes of these patients.From January 2011 to November 2014, a retrospective study that screened 421 patients with IAIs was performed. ELD was defined as an increase in serum total bilirubin (TB) >2 mg/dL or aminotransferases levels greater than twice the normal value within 48 hours after IAIs' onset. Patients with pre-existing liver disease or major hepatobiliary injury were excluded. Risk factors for ELD and outcomes were compared by univariate and multivariate analyses. Subgroup analysis was performed for ELD patients within 24 to 48 hours.Of 353 enrolled patients admitted with IAIs, 147 (41.6%) developed ELD. Significant independent risk factors for ELD were trauma (odds ratio [OR] 1.770, 95% confidential interval [CI] 1.126-2.783, P = 0.01) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) (OR 3.199, 95% CI 1.184-8.640, P = 0.02). Successful source control <24 hours was shown to exert protection against ELD after 24 hours during IAIs (OR 0.193, 95% CI 0.091-0.409, P < 0.001). ELD was associated with significantly worse outcomes, including longer ICU length of stay and higher in-hospital mortality. Multivariate analysis also showed that development of ELD was a predisposing factor of mortality in IAIs patients (P < 0.001).ELD was a common complication in patients with IAIs associated with worse outcomes. Trauma and ACS were relevant risk factors. Early successful source control appeared to be an important method to prevent and/or reduce ELD in patients with IAIs.