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[Primary peritonitis in previously healthy children]

M J Navia1, P L Caroli

  • 1Hospital Nacional de Pediatría Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina. marcelojaviernavia@yahoo.com.ar

Anales De Pediatria (Barcelona, Spain : 2003)
|December 3, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Primary peritonitis in healthy children presents acutely with fever and abdominal pain. Prompt surgery and antibiotics lead to rapid recovery, with a good prognosis.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Primary peritonitis is rare in children, especially those without underlying conditions like nephrosis or liver disease.
  • This case report details six previously healthy children with primary peritonitis.
  • Literature review on primary peritonitis in healthy children is included.

Observation:

  • Six previously healthy children presented with acute primary peritonitis.
  • Common symptoms included fever and abdominal pain within 24 hours of onset.
  • Leukocytosis was noted in 66% of patients.

Findings:

  • Diagnosis was confirmed intraoperatively via laparotomy, excluding intestinal perforation.
  • Microorganisms identified in peritoneal fluid included Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Gram-negative bacteria.
  • Rapid recovery and no postoperative complications were observed in all patients.

Implications:

  • Primary peritonitis in healthy children mimics acute appendicitis, often requiring surgical diagnosis.
  • Treatment involves antibiotics and prompt exploratory laparotomy with appendectomy.
  • The prognosis for primary peritonitis in healthy children is favorable with timely intervention.
Abstract

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