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[Diagnosis of appendicitis in early childhood]
1Klinik für Chirurgie, Heinrich-Braun-Krankenhaus Zwickau, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der Universität Leipzig.
Insights
This study analyzed 89 preschool children with appendicitis, finding typical symptoms like vomiting and fever in non-perforated cases. Perforated appendicitis presented with severe illness and potential ileus in young patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
Context:
- Appendicitis is a common surgical emergency in children.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and outcomes.
Purpose:
- To analyze the clinical presentation and diagnostic findings of appendicitis in preschool children.
- To differentiate between non-perforated and perforated appendicitis in this age group.
Summary:
- Eighty-nine preschool children (2-4 years) diagnosed with appendicitis were reviewed; 46 underwent surgery.
- Acute non-perforated appendicitis showed high rates of vomiting (100%), abdominal pain (89%), and fever (61%).
- Perforated appendicitis cases often presented with severe deterioration (80%) and ileus (50%), with shorter symptom duration in non-perforated cases.
Impact:
- Highlights key diagnostic symptoms for pediatric appendicitis.
- Informs clinical decision-making for timely surgical intervention in children.
- Emphasizes the severity and potential complications of perforated appendicitis in young children.
Abstract:
89 preschool children, 2-4 years old, treated under the diagnosis of appendicitis were analyzed, 46 of them were operated. In 40% of those children the diagnosis of an acute nonperforated appendicitis could have been ensured, in 40% the diagnosis of a perforated appendicitis was found, in 20% the laparotomy was negative. In cases of an acute nonperforated appendicitis typical symptoms were vomiting (100%), general stomach-ache (89%) and fever (61%). In most cases of an perforated appendicitis the state of patients was reduced drastically (80%), in 50% an ileus could be observed. Duration of anamnesis was less than 24 hours with all the children who suffered from acute nonperforated appendicitis and with one fourth of the children suffering from perforated appendicitis.