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Perirectal abscess in childhood. A review of 29 cases
Abstract:
A total of 29 cases of perirectal abscess at Milwaukee Children's Hospital between 1965 and 1975 were retrospectively reviewed. One fourth of these children had a serious underlying chronic disease. Staphylococcus aureaus was the organism that grew most frequently from pus obtained from the abscesses, accounting for 52% of the isolates. Therapy included incision and drainage alone and incision and drainage plus parenteral and/or oral antibiotic treatment. One patient, a child with leukemia, died of this infection. Complications, primarily fistulain-ano or recurrent abscess, occurred in 42% of the survivors.
Insights
Perirectal abscesses in children are often linked to chronic diseases. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause, and while treatment is effective, complications like fistulas occur in nearly half of survivors.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Microbiology
Background:
- Perirectal abscesses are a common pediatric surgical issue.
- A significant proportion of pediatric cases are associated with underlying chronic conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review cases of perirectal abscess in children.
- To identify causative organisms and evaluate treatment outcomes and complications.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 29 pediatric perirectal abscess cases.
- Analysis of patient demographics, underlying conditions, microbial isolates, treatment regimens, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- 25% of children had serious underlying chronic diseases.
- Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequent isolate (52%).
- 42% of survivors experienced complications, mainly fistula-in-ano or recurrent abscess.
Conclusions:
- Perirectal abscesses in children can be associated with significant comorbidities.
- Staphylococcus aureus is a primary pathogen.
- Effective management requires prompt surgical drainage and appropriate antibiotic therapy, with vigilance for potential complications.