Need to write up a case series on a retrospective case analysis on appendicitis under children of 3 yrs of age for 10 yrs at a teritary hospital. Will need bar diagrams, graphs. and analysis of data. Acute Appendicitis in children less than three years of age - Ultrasound, combined with a modified paediatric appendicitis score,is the most useful adjunct in diagnosis.
Background/Aim:
Appendicitis is uncommon under the age of three, with few series reported in the literature. The diagnosis has been reported to be delayed, with a perforation rate between 60-100%. The aim of this study is to delineate the presentation and outcome of appendicitis in children less than three in the era of ultrasound and to validate a modified paediatric appendicitis score (MPAS).
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective review of children under the age of three who underwent an appendicectomy over a 12-year period. MPAS was retrospectively applied with a score above 5 correlating with a high likelihood of acute appendicitis.
Results:
Thirty children underwent appendicectomy for acute appendicitis. The mean age was 26.4 months. Ultrasound was performed in 25 patients (83.3%) at presentation and diagnostic in 20 (80%). The remaining five patients had a high MPAS consistent with a high-likelihood of acute appendicitis. Perforation was noted in 13% of patients (n=4) and an appendicicular mass was found in two patients. Ultrasound when combined with a MPAS had 100% accuracy in this population.
Conclusion:
In children less than three years of age ultrasound combined with the MPAS seems to be an accurate diagnostic tool in acute appendicitis, with a low incidence of perforation.
To submit to surgical journal -ANZ. Idea is whether Ultrasound is a useful adjunct to clinical symptoms in confirming appendicitis in children below 3 yrs of age and the additional points that can be drawn from my data for writing a case series.
ANJ Author guidlines- http://www.anzjsurg.com/view/0/authorGuidelines.html
Number of Words- 3000 Words / 12 Pages
Style: APA
References: 20
Attachment:- Appendicitis Study.xlsx