Perforated Appendicitis in a 23-Month-Old Child
Abstract
Appendicitis is caused by a blockage of the appendix, leading to the proliferation of intestinal bacteria and subsequent inflammation of the appendix. Within the scope of pediatrics, appendicitis is associated with an atypical presentation, and its symptoms can overlap with other abdominal conditions, contributing to a higher risk of misdiagnosis. Despite its relatively low prevalence in patients less than four years of age, appendicitis remains a critical condition that requires prompt recognition and intervention to avoid complications and ensure favorable outcomes. We present a case of perforated appendicitis in a 23-month-old female patient who presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain. This report highlights the challenges in diagnosing appendicitis in this age group and reviews current guidelines for the evaluation of suspected appendicitis in young children. Emphasis is placed on the importance of timely diagnosis and surgical intervention to reduce complications and prevent mortality.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a case report, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Patient-Centered Pharmaceutical Design to Improve Acceptability of Medicines: Similarities and Differences in Paediatric and Geriatric Populations
- Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for irritable bowel syndrome 2020
- Phase 2b Study of Pimodivir (JNJ-63623872) as Monotherapy or in Combination With Oseltamivir for Treatment of Acute Uncomplicated Seasonal Influenza A: TOPAZ Trial
- Gastrointestinal manifestations in COVID-19
- COVID-19 and Gastrointestinal Disease: Implications for the Gastroenterologist
- Persistent gut barrier damage and commensal bacterial influx following eradication of Giardia infection in mice
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.