Pediatric Appendicitis
Journal Title: Progressing Aspects in Pediatrics and Neonatology - Year 2017, Vol 1, Issue 1
Abstract
Appendicitis is the most common surgical diagnosis for children who present with abdominal pain to the emergency department. However, there are nonspecific examination findings and variable historical features during its presentation. Diagnosis of appendicitis in the pediatric patient may be challenging for the clinician dealing with these patients. It is important to have a high index of suspicion and taking a detailed history and physical examination. In diagnosis of appendicitis, adjunctive studies that may be useful are the white blood cell count, C-reactive protein, urinalysis, ultrasonography and computerized tomography when necessary. When appendicitis is suspected, patients should receive immediate surgical consultation, as well as volume replacement and antibiotics if indicated. With this timely approach it will be possible to prevent the significant morbidity that is associated with delayed diagnoses in younger patients. Acute appendicitis is the most common surgical emergency in children and adolescents. Although it is uncommon in preschool children, appendicitis may present at any age. The lifetime risk of developing appendicitis is 7% to 8%, with a peak incidence in the teenage years [1]. There are 250,000 cases in the United States annually and the majority occur in children with the ages between 6-10 years. Nearly one-third of children with appendicitis have perforation at the time of surgical treatment. It affects males more frequently than females with male predominance (M:F ratio 3:2). There is a seasonal variation in the occurrence of appendicitis so that presentation of appendicitis is increased in the summer months with perforated appendicitis occurring more frequently in the fall and winter [2]. Despite advances and innovations in fluid resuscitation and antibiotics, appendicitis especially in preschool children is still associated with significant morbidity even mortality.
Authors and Affiliations
Volkan Sarper Erikci, Tunç Özdemir
Keywords
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- EP ID EP575515
- DOI 10.32474/PAPN.2017.01.000101
- Views 67
- Downloads 0
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