Moving to Medical Treatment for COVID-19 Influence on Pediatric Appendicitis: A Meta-Analysis

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Infectious Diseases
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Acute appendicitis (AA) is a leading cause of emergency abdominal surgery in children globally.
• Appendectomy has been the standard treatment, but the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a shift towards conservative antibiotic therapy.
• This study evaluates antibiotic treatment versus surgery for pediatric AA during the pandemic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the outcomes of surgical appendectomy and antibiotic therapy for acute appendicitis in pediatric patients.
• To assess the safety and efficacy of conservative management for uncomplicated appendicitis during the COVID-19 era.
• To identify the potential of antibiotic treatment as a definitive approach for uncomplicated pediatric appendicitis.

Main Methods:

• A meta-analysis of 21 articles meeting inclusion criteria.
• Included studies were published within the last five years and focused exclusively on pediatric populations.
• Analyzed data from retrospective studies, prospective trials, correlational studies, and randomized clinical trials.

Main Results:

• Antibiotic therapy demonstrated safety and effectiveness for uncomplicated appendicitis in pediatric cases.
• While some complications associated with antibiotics were noted, they show potential as a definitive treatment.
• The shift to conservative management was a significant strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusions:

• Antibiotics are a viable and effective treatment option for uncomplicated acute appendicitis in children.
• Further investigation is required to determine the cost-effectiveness and recurrence rates of antibiotic treatment compared to surgery.
• Conservative antibiotic management emerged as a critical strategy for pediatric appendicitis during the COVID-19 pandemic.