Modification of an evidence-based protocol for advanced appendicitis in children

Bacterial peritonitis in paediatric appendicitis; microbial epidemiology and antimicrobial management

BACKGROUND

Appendicitis remains a common surgical emergency in children. Empirical antibacterial treatment is indicated to reduce infective complications. We investigate the bacterial pathogens identified intra-operatively during appendectomies in children to guide empirical surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis options.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of patients (< 18 years old) undergoing an appendectomy across a multisite London hospital (Nov 2019-March 2022) was undertaken. Patient-related outcomes including length of hospital stay (LOS), days of antibacterial therapy (DOT), intra-operative microbiology and post-operative radiology reports were interrogated.

RESULTS

304 patients underwent an appendectomy during this period; 39.1% of patients had intraoperative samples cultured. Bacterial pathogens were found in 73/119 (61.3%) cases; the most common isolates being Escherichia coli (42.0%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (21.0%), milleri Streptococcus spp. (14.3%) and Bacteroides fragilis (5.9%). Polymicrobial infection was common (32/73). Isolation of Pseudomonas spp. from intra-operative sampling was associated with a greater LOS (7.0 vs. 5.0 days; p = 0.011) but nil effect on the incidence of postoperative collections. Presence of milleri Streptococcus spp. was associated with longer LOS (7.0 vs. 5.0 day; p = 0.007), DOT (12.0 vs. 8.5 day; p = 0.007) but had no observed outcome on postoperative collections (29.4% vs. 18.6%; p = 0.330). 48% of E. coli positive cultures were co-amoxiclav resistant and prolonged LOS compared to the non-resistant group (7.0 vs. 5.0 days; p = 0.040) but had no difference in post-operative collections (29.2% vs. 17.9%; p = 0.260).

CONCLUSION

A high proportion of children with appendicitis have Pseudomonas spp. isolated, leading to a prolonged LOS. Evolving Enterobacterales resistance and the presence of Pseudomonas spp. necessitate extended antibacterial coverage for paediatric appendectomies with evidence of peritonitis.

Association of the Bacteria of the Vermiform Appendix and the Peritoneal Cavity with Complicated Acute Appendicitis in Children

BACKGROUND

Primary infection has been questioned as the pathogenetic cause of acute appendicitis. We attempted to identify the bacteria involved and to investigate if their species, types, or combinations affected the severity of acute appendicitis in children.

METHODS

Samples from both the appendiceal lumen and the peritoneal cavity of 72 children who underwent appendectomy were collected to perform bacterial culture analysis. The outcomes were studied to identify if and how they were associated with the severity of the disease. Regression analysis was performed to identify any risk factors associated with complicated appendicitis.

RESULTS

Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Streptococcus species were the most common pathogens found in the study population. The same microorganisms, either combined or separate, were the most common in the appendiceal lumen and the peritoneal cavity of patients with complicated appendicitis. Gram-negative bacteria and polymicrobial cultures in the peritoneal fluid and in the appendiceal lumen were associated with complicated appendicitis. Polymicrobial cultures in the peritoneal cavity presented a four times higher risk of complicated appendicitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Polymicrobial presentation and Gram-negative bacteria are associated with complicated appendicitis. Antibiotic regimens should target the combinations of the most frequently identified pathogens, speculating the value of early antipseudomonal intervention.

Bacterial pathogens in pediatric appendicitis: a comprehensive retrospective study

Background

Appendicitis is a frequent condition, with peak incidences in the second decade of life. Its pathogenesis is under debate, but bacterial infections are crucial, and antibiotic treatment remains essential. Rare bacteria are accused of causing complications, and various calculated antibiotics are propagated, yet there is no comprehensive microbiological analysis of pediatric appendicitis. Here we review different pre-analytic pathways, identify rare and common bacterial pathogens and their antibiotic resistances, correlate clinical courses, and evaluate standard calculated antibiotics in a large pediatric cohort.

Method

We reviewed 579 patient records and microbiological results of intraoperative swabs in standard Amies agar media or fluid samples after appendectomies for appendicitis between May 2011 and April 2019. Bacteria were cultured and identified via VITEK 2 or MALDI-TOF MS. Minimal inhibitory concentrations were reevaluated according to EUCAST 2022. Results were correlated to clinical courses.

Results

Of 579 analyzed patients, in 372 patients we got 1330 bacterial growths with resistograms. 1259 times, bacteria could be identified to species level. 102 different bacteria could be cultivated. 49% of catarrhal and 52% of phlegmonous appendices resulted in bacterial growth. In gangrenous appendicitis, only 38% remained sterile, while this number reduced to 4% after perforation. Many fluid samples remained sterile even when unsterile swabs had been taken simultaneously. 40 common enteral genera were responsible for 76.5% of bacterial identifications in 96.8% of patients. However, 69 rare bacteria were found in 187 patients without specifically elevated risk for complications.

Conclusion

Amies agar gel swabs performed superior to fluid samples and should be a standard in appendectomies. Even catarrhal appendices were only sterile in 51%, which is interesting in view of a possible viral cause. According to our resistograms, the best in vitro antibiotic was imipenem with 88.4% susceptible strains, followed by piperacillin-tazobactam, cefuroxime with metronidazole, and ampicillin-sulbactam to which only 21.6% of bacteria were susceptible. Bacterial growths and higher resistances correlate to an elevated risk of complications. Rare bacteria are found in many patients, but there is no specific consequence regarding antibiotic susceptibility, clinical course, or complications. Prospective, comprehensive studies are needed to further elicit pediatric appendicitis microbiology and antibiotic treatment.

2 days versus 5 days of postoperative antibiotics for complex appendicitis: a pragmatic, open-label, multicentre, non-inferiority randomised trial

BACKGROUND

The appropriate duration of postoperative antibiotics for complex appendicitis is unclear. The increasing global threat of antimicrobial resistance warrants restrictive antibiotic use, which could also reduce side-effects, length of hospital stay, and costs.

METHODS

In this pragmatic, open-label, non-inferiority trial in 15 hospitals in the Netherlands, patients with complex appendicitis (aged ≥8 years) were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive 2 days or 5 days of intravenous antibiotics after appendicectomy. Randomisation was stratified by centre, and treating physicians and patients were not masked to treatment allocation. The primary endpoint was a composite endpoint of infectious complications and mortality within 90 days. The main outcome was the absolute risk difference (95% CI) in the primary endpoint, adjusted for age and severity of appendicitis, with a non-inferiority margin of 7·5%. Outcome assessment was based on electronic patient records and a telephone consultation 90 days after appendicectomy. Efficacy was analysed in the intention-to-treat and per-protocol populations. Safety outcomes were analysed in the intention-to-treat population. This trial was registered with the Netherlands Trial Register, NL5946.

FINDINGS

Between April 12, 2017, and June 3, 2021, 13 267 patients were screened and 1066 were randomly assigned, 533 to each group. 31 were excluded from intention-to-treat analysis of the 2-day group and 30 from the 5-day group owing to errors in recruitment or consent. Appendicectomy was done laparoscopically in 955 (95%) of 1005 patients. The telephone follow-up was completed in 664 (66%) of 1005 patients. The primary endpoint occurred in 51 (10%) of 502 patients analysed in the 2-day group and 41 (8%) of 503 patients analysed in the 5-day group (adjusted absolute risk difference 2·0%, 95% CI -1·6 to 5·6). Rates of complications and re-interventions were similar between trial groups. Fewer patients had adverse effects of antibiotics in the 2-day group (45 [9%] of 502 patients) than in the 5-day group (112 [22%] of 503 patients; odds ratio [OR] 0·344, 95% CI 0·237 to 0·498). Re-admission to hospital was more frequent in the 2-day group (58 [12%] of 502 patients) than in the 5-day group (29 [6%] of 503 patients; OR 2·135, 1·342 to 3·396). There were no treatment-related deaths.

INTERPRETATION

2 days of postoperative intravenous antibiotics for complex appendicitis is non-inferior to 5 days in terms of infectious complications and mortality within 90 days, based on a non-inferiority margin of 7·5%. These findings apply to laparoscopic appendicectomy conducted in a well resourced health-care setting. Adopting this strategy will reduce adverse effects of antibiotics and length of hospital stay.

FUNDING

The Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development.

The Management of Pediatric Acute Appendicitis-Survey among Pediatric Surgeons in Romania

Background and Objectives: To assess the current practice pattern in the management of pediatric acute appendicitis in Romania. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was emailed to all the members of the Romanian Society of Pediatric Surgery between June-July 2022. Results: 118 answers were received, 79.7% responses being from permanent staff members. In the diagnosis of appendicitis, complete blood count, C-reactive protein and abdominal ultrasound are the most commonly used diagnostic tools, while appendicitis scores are not widely used (25% of surgeons). In the case of simple appendicitis, 49.2% of surgeons prefer the conservative approach-oral/intravenous antibiotics. Those who choose the operative approach begin preoperative antibiotics in 56.7% of patients. In case of a stable patient, only 16.7% of surgeons will operate during the night. Laparoscopic approach is chosen by 51.7% of surgeons. In the case of a complicated appendicitis, 92.4% of surgeons will perform the appendectomy, prescribing preoperative antibiotics in 94% of the cases and continuing the therapy postoperatively in 98.2%. Laparoscopic approach is used by 28.8% of surgeons in case of complicated appendicitis. In presence of appendicular mass, 80% prefer a conservative approach with a delayed appendectomy within 6 months. Appendicular abscesses are managed operatively in 82.2% of the cases. The appendix is sent for histological analysis by 95.8% of surgeons. If the peritoneal cavity is contaminated, 95% of the respondents will take a sample for microbiological analysis, 71% will always place a drainage and 44% will always irrigate (71.9%-saline). Conclusions: Clearly, there seems to be a lack of consensus regarding several aspects of the management of acute appendicitis in children. In addition, minimally invasive surgery is not as widely used as reported, despite literature support.

Postoperative organ space infection (OSI) following appendectomy: early term evaluation for pediatric population

No consensus has been reached on the duration of antibiotic prophylaxis for postoperative organ space infection (OSI) following appendectomy. This study investigated the influence of antibiotic administration on postoperative OSIs in children with complex appendicitis. A multicenter, retrospective study was conducted in patients with OSI following complicated appendicitis between 2017 and 2019 at 3 hospitals in China. The qualified patients were dichotomized into a long-duration antibiotic group (> 5.5 days) and a short-duration antibiotic group (< 5.5 days) based on the median duration (5.5 days) of antibiotic administration. Potential biases in baseline characteristics were managed using propensity score matching for the two groups. Primary and secondary outcomes were compared between the two groups. Propensity-matched analysis of the entire cohort revealed no significant effects in terms of the time to OSI resolution (p = 0.16) or recurrence (p = 0.22) for the short-duration and long-duration antibiotic groups. A slightly lower complication rate, including the incidence of abdominal distention (p = 0.093) and antibiotic-associated diarrhea (p = 0.024), was noted in patients with short-duration antibiotic administration. Furthermore, no significant difference in readmission requirements (p = 0.14) or hospitalization duration (p = 0.102) was found between the two groups. For OSI following complicated appendicitis, long-term antibiotic administration did not provide a significant benefit.

Reduction of surgical site infections in pediatric patients with complicated appendicitis: Utilization of antibiotic stewardship principles and quality improvement methodology

BACKGROUND

The rate of surgical site infection (SSI) after appendectomy for complicated appendicitis (CA) was high at our children's hospital. We hypothesized that practice standardization, including obtaining intra-operative cultures of abdominal fluid in patients with CA, would improve outcomes and reduce healthcare utilization after appendectomy.

METHODS

A quality improvement team designed and implemented a clinical practice guideline for CA that included obtaining intra-operative culture of purulent fluid, administering piperacillin/tazobactam for at least 72 h post-operatively, and transitioning to oral antibiotics based on intraoperative culture data. We compared outcomes before and after guideline implementation.

RESULTS

From July 2018-October 2019, 63 children underwent appendectomy for CA compared to 41 children from January-December 2020. Compliance with our process measures are as follows: Intra-operative culture was obtained in 98% of patients post-implementation; 95% received at least 72 h of piperacillin-tazobactam; and culture results were checked on all patients. Culture results altered the choice of discharge antibiotics in 12 (29%) of patients. All-cause morbidity (SSI, emergency department visit, readmission to hospital, percutaneous drain, unplanned return to operating room) decreased significantly from 35% to 15% (p=0.02). Surgical site infections became less frequent, occurring on average every 27 days pre-implementation and every 60 days after care pathway implementation (p=0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Utilization of a clinical practice guideline was associated with reduced morbidity after appendectomy for CA. Intra-operative fluid culture during appendectomy for CA appears to facilitate the selection of appropriate post-operative antibiotics and, thus, minimize SSIs and overall morbidity.

Optimal First-Line Antibiotic Treatment for Pediatric Complicated Appendicitis Based on Peritoneal Fluid Culture

PURPOSE

Consensus is lacking regarding the optimal antibiotic treatment for pediatric complicated appendicitis. This study determined the optimal first-line antibiotic treatment for pediatric patients with complicated appendicitis based on peritoneal fluid cultures.

METHODS

This retrospective study examined the cases of pediatric patients who underwent appendectomy for complicated appendicitis at our institution between 2013 and 2019. Peritoneal fluid specimens obtained during appendectomy were cultured for the presence of bacteria.

RESULTS

Eighty-six pediatric patients were diagnosed with complicated appendicitis. Of them, bacteria were identified in 54 peritoneal fluid samples. The major identified bacteria were Escherichia coli (n=36 [66.7%]), Bacteroides fragilis (n=28 [51.9%]), α-Streptococcus (n=25 [46.3%]), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n=10 [18.5%]), Enterococcus avium (n=9 [16.7%]), γ-Streptococcus (n=9 [16.7%]), and Klebsiella oxytoca (n=6 [11.1%]). An antibiotic susceptibility analysis showed E. coli was inhibited by sulbactam/ampicillin in 43.8% of cases versus cefmetazole in 100% of cases. Tazobactam/piperacillin and meropenem inhibited the growth of 96.9-100% of the major identified bacteria. E. coli (100% vs. 84.6%) and P. aeruginosa (100% vs. 80.0%) were more susceptible to amikacin than gentamicin.

CONCLUSION

Tazobactam/piperacillin or meropenem is a reasonable first-line antibiotic treatment for pediatric complicated appendicitis. In the case of aminoglycoside use, amikacin is recommended.

A Review of History and Challenges of Evidence-Based Pediatric Surgery

PURPOSE

Evidence-based pediatric surgery (EBPS) refers to the use of the best available evidence in making personalized decisions concerning the management of each pediatric surgical patient. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review on past and present evidence-based clinical decision, and challenges in pediatric surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A literature search was conducted according to a set of criteria in PubMed for historical and current peer-reviewed studies regarding EBPS.

RESULTS

One hundred forty-five full-text published articles focusing on EPBS findings over the past 25 years were included. The rarity of many congenital anomalies, the inability to establish multicenter collaborations, the failure to perform double-blinded studies in children, the pediatric surgeons' reluctance to perform ethically unacceptable sham operations and their skepticism shown in accepting and implementing the documented results instead of applying their personal clinical practice methods and surgical techniques are among problems that hamper the accomplishment of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

CONCLUSIONS

RCTs remain limited in clinical pediatric surgery practice due to problems in the design and publication of these trials. Moreover, skepticism exists regarding acceptance and implementation of the documented results of RCTs. Notwithstanding, pediatric surgeons must establish evidence-based centers in order to increase the number of well-designed RCTs, properly evaluate clinical research, make effective evidence-based clinical decisions and develop high-quality of pediatric surgeries care in the future.

Multi-Center Prospective Study of Restrictive Post-Operative Antibiotic Treatment of Children with Complicated Appendicitis

Background: No consensus has been reached regarding the most advantageous duration of antibiotic prophylaxis to decrease post-operative infection complications of appendectomy for acute complex appendicitis. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of short-term antibiotic treatment on post-operative complications in children with complex appendicitis. Methods: A multi-center, parallel group, randomized study was conducted in patients younger than 14 years of age with complicated appendicitis at three hospitals in China. The qualified patients were randomized prospectively to either the restrictive 72-hour short-term antibiotic strategy or the standard antibiotic usage. A comparison of the complications within 24 months, including infectious complications and long-term results, were conducted between the two groups. This trial is registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR), number ChiCTR1900023941 and is complete. Results: A shorter duration of antibiotic treatment had no effect on intestinal function recovery, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and health-care-associated Clostridium difficile infection and infectious complication, including intra-abdominal abscess development (17.9% vs. 18.0%, p = 0.52). Furthermore, no substantial difference for re-admission requirement and re-operation were found between the two treatment strategies. A sizeable decrease in total duration of hospitalization (p < 0.001) and average total antibiotic duration (p < 0.001) were observed for the restrictive antibiotic strategy group. Conclusion: In complicated appendicitis, the restrictive antibiotic usage was equivalent to standard antibiotic usage in terms of short- and long-term outcomes, but with shorter hospital stays and fewer antibiotic agents.

Sensibilidad antimicrobiana en aislamientos de líquido peritoneal de niños intervenidos por abdomen agudo e infección intraabdominal

Introducción. La apendicitis aguda es causa frecuente de infección intraabdominal en pediatría. La elección del antibiótico se basa en los hallazgos quirúrgicos macroscópicos, el criterio médico, las guías locales o internacionales y, en pocas ocasiones, en el resultado de los aislamientos bacterianos en cultivos de líquido peritoneal y las tasas locales de resistencia. Se analizaron la frecuencia y la sensibilidad microbiológica de los cultivos de muestras de líquido peritoneal de pacientes de un mes a 16 años de edad con manejo quirúrgico por abdomen agudo con sospecha de infección intraabdominal. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio prospectivo de cohorte con análisis de las historias clínicas y de resultados de laboratorio de niños sometidos a cirugía por abdomen agudo, en la que el cirujano tomó muestra del líquido peritoneal para la tipificación y determinación de los perfiles de sensibilidad de los microorganismos aislados. Los datos se analizaron con el programa Stata™, versión15.0. Resultados. Se identificaron 303 casos, de los cuales el 93,6 % recibió profilaxis antibiótica con ampicilina-sulbactam y clindamicina-amikacina. El 95,3 % de los procedimientos fueron apendicectomías. Se tomó cultivo del 50 % de las apendicitis perforadas. Se aislaron 48 microorganismos; el más frecuente (2,7 %) fue Escherichia coli positiva para BLEE. El 100 % de los microorganismos resultaron ser sensibles a la amikacina, el 97,2 % al meropenem, y el 94,4 %, a la ciprofloxacina, el cefepime y el ceftazidime. La resistencia más frecuente (37,1 %) fue contra la combinación de ampicilina y sulbactam, en los gérmenes Gram negativos. Discusión. La evaluación de la sensibilidad antimicrobiana de los aislamientos de líquido peritoneal de los procedimientos quirúrgicos en pediatría, es una buena práctica clínica que orienta al cirujano en la adecuada selección del esquema antibiótico y, además, disminuye el riesgo de falla terapéutica temprana y la posibilidad de mayor resistencia o complicaciones infecciosas.

ANTIBIOTICS FOR APPENDICECTOMY IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS DURING THE PERIOPERATIVE PERIOD: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the preoperative use of antibiotics in children and adolescents requiring appendectomy. Data source: Integrative review was performed in the MEDLINE, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences (LILACS) and Cochrane databases and the PubMed portal, with no time limit. The keywords used were: appendicitis, child, adolescent and antibacterial with Boolean AND. The articles included were published in Portuguese, English or Spanish and whose participants were under 18 years of age. Review articles and guidelines were excluded. The studies were classified according to their level of evidence and 24 papers were selected. Data collection and analysis: Seven randomized clinical trial studies (level of evidence II), eight cohorts (level III), seven retrospective observational studies (level V) and two historical documentary analysis (level IV) were selected. The studies addressed antibiotics used in acute appendicitis in both uncomplicated and complicated cases. Antibiotics initiated in the preoperative period showed a decrease in the rates of surgical wound infections. First-line (empiric) regimens were tested for sensitivity to microorganisms in peritoneal material cultures, however the results were controversial. Broad-spectrum antibiotics have been suggested in some studies because they have good coverage, but in others they have not been recommended because of the risk of developing bacterial resistance. Shorter administration time and earlier change to the oral route reduced hospitalization time. Conclusions: There are several clinical protocols with different antibiotics. However, there is no standardization concerning the type of antibiotic drug, time of use, or route.

Contemporary Microbiology and Antimicrobial Treatment of Complicated Appendicitis: The Value of a Short-term Study

BACKGROUND

Antimicrobial stewardship interventions to curtail the use of third-generation cephalosporins and antipseudomonal penicillins for the treatment of complicated appendicitis in children are challenging given the tendency to treat complicated disease with broad-spectrum antimicrobials. Reasons for this are unclear, but there is a paucity of contemporary microbiologic data associated with the child presenting with either acute perforated or gangrenous appendicitis. This study aimed to justify the appropriateness of an empiric regimen consisting of ampicillin, tobramycin/gentamicin plus metronidazole and to analyze duration of postoperative therapy.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study from February 1, 2017, to October 31, 2018, in children who underwent appendectomy or interventional radiologic drainage for primary complicated appendicitis. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who had a pathogen isolated from peritoneal fluid culture that was not susceptible to the recommended empiric therapy. The secondary outcomes were the total duration of antimicrobial therapy and the proportion of patients with a postoperative infectious complication within 30 days after intervention.

RESULTS

Of 425 children with primary acute appendicitis, 158 (37%) had complicated appendicitis at presentation. Culture was performed in 53 (40%) of the 133 who underwent a surgical or interventional radiologic intervention. The group with peritoneal cultures was more likely to present with longer symptom duration before admission [3 (interquartile range, 2-5) vs 2 (interquartile range, 1-2) days; P < 0.001] and with purulent peritonitis [47% (25/53) vs 13% (10/80); P < 0.001]. The most common pathogens isolated were anaerobes (81%), Escherichia coli (74%) and Streptococcus anginosus group (62%). Only 4% of isolated bacteria were resistant to empiric therapy. Postoperative infectious complications were documented in 23 (17%) patients and were not associated with the presence of a resistant pathogen or the choice of antimicrobial agents but with more severe disease and higher C-reactive protein values (303 vs 83 mg/L; P=0.03) at presentation.

CONCLUSIONS

In a cohort of previously healthy children presenting with complicated appendicitis requiring surgical drainage, the most common bacteria from peritoneal cultures continue to be S. anginosus, aminoglycoside-susceptible Gram-negative bacilli and anaerobes. In an attempt to reduce extended-spectrum cephalosporin use, these data were useful in supporting the use of metronidazole with ampicillin and an aminoglycoside, rather than third-generation cephalosporins.

Prospective evaluation of a clinical response directed pathway for complicated appendicitis

AIM

Despite evidence to suggest shorter durations of antibiotics are safe in complicated appendicitis, the practice has not been widely adopted in the UK. Our aim was to determine whether a clinical pathway that tailors antibiotics to clinical condition was safe and effective.

METHODS

A new post-operative pathway (NewPath) was devised that reduced mandatory intravenous antibiotics for complicated appendicitis (perforated or gangrenous) from 5 to 3 days post-operatively, provided the child was apyrexial for >12 h and tolerating oral diet. Oral antibiotics were only given if white-blood-cell counts were raised. Data were collected prospectively (NewPath) and compared to 100 cases immediately prior. Data are presented as median [IQR]. Comparisons used the Fisher's exact or Mann Whitney U tests as appropriate. Significance was defined as p < 0.05.

RESULTS

One hundred sixty-four children completed the NewPath over 11 months. Age and normal appendicectomy rate were similar [NewPath vs. control, 9y (6-12) vs. 10y (7-13) and 19/164 (12%) vs.15/100 (15%)]. Complicated appendicitis rates were 88/164 [54%] vs. 42/100 [42%]; p = 0.08. Length of stay was shorter for the NewPath [5 (4-7) vs. 7 (6-8) days; p = 0.009], and fewer required oral antibiotics [35/88 (40%) vs. 26/42 (62%); p = 0.01]. Readmissions within 28 days [24/88 (27%) vs. 8/42 (19%), p = 0.39) and intra-abdominal collections [20/88 (23%) vs. 6/42 (14%), p = 0.35] were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Post-operative appendicitis care guided by clinical progress and white-blood-cell count can reduce hospital stay and antibiotic use without increasing complications. Pathways such as this could save considerable health resource and contribute to important antimicrobial stewardship initiatives.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Utility of standardized discharge criteria after appendectomy to identify pediatric patients requiring intervention after postoperative imaging

BACKGROUND

The purposes of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of failure-of-discharge criteria and identify the cohort of pediatric patients after appendectomy in whom postoperative imaging would impact management.

METHODS

Pediatric patients who underwent an appendectomy from July 2009 to May 2017 were included. Complicated appendicitis was defined based on the intraoperative diagnosis. Postoperative imaging was recommended at postoperative days 5-7 for patients who met at least one criterion of failure of standard management: fever (>38°C), leukocytosis (white blood cell count >12,000/mm³), diet intolerance, or uncontrolled pain by oral analgesics at postoperative day 5. Primary outcomes included any intervention (reoperation, drainage procedures, or change in antibiotics).

RESULTS

In all, 3,276 pediatric patients undergoing appendectomy were identified. Of these patients, 12% met at least 1 discharge criterion of failure Most discharge failures (79%) underwent postoperative imaging, such as computed tomography (68%), ultrasonography then computed tomography (20%), or ultrasonography only (12%); 39% of imaging patients required intervention. On multiple logistic regression, 3 criteria (diet intolerance, fever, and leukocytosis), complicated disease, and age were associated with the need for intervention after imaging. The type of imaging modality did not discriminate need for intervention.

CONCLUSION

Standardized criteria identifying failure of ability to discharge the patient after appendectomy limits the need for unnecessary imaging. In the management of pediatric appendicitis, a selective approach resulted in a high yield of complications requiring intervention after obtaining postoperative imaging.

Two versus five days of antibiotics after appendectomy for complex acute appendicitis (APPIC): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

Acute appendicitis is one of the most common indications for emergency surgery. In patients with a complex appendicitis, prolonged antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended after appendectomy. There is no consensus regarding the optimum duration of antibiotics. Guidelines propose 3 to 7 days of treatment, but shorter courses may be as effective in the prevention of infectious complications. At the same time, the global issue of increasing antimicrobial resistance urges for optimization of antibiotic strategies. The aim of this study is to determine whether a short course (48 h) of postoperative antibiotics is non-inferior to current standard practice of 5 days.

Methods

Patients of 8 years and older undergoing appendectomy for acute complex appendicitis – defined as a gangrenous and/or perforated appendicitis or appendicitis in presence of an abscess – are eligible for inclusion. Immunocompromised or pregnant patients are excluded, as well as patients with a contraindication to the study antibiotics. In total, 1066 patients will be randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to the experimental treatment arm (48 h of postoperative intravenously administered (IV) antibiotics) or the control arm (5 days of postoperative IV antibiotics). After discharge from the hospital, patients participate in a productivity-cost-questionnaire at 4 weeks and a standardized telephone follow-up at 90 days after appendectomy. The primary outcome is a composite endpoint of infectious complications, including intra-abdominal abscess (IAA) and surgical site infection (SSI), and mortality within 90 days after appendectomy. Secondary outcomes include IAA, SSI, restart of antibiotics, length of hospital stay (LOS), reoperation, percutaneous drainage, readmission rate, and cost-effectiveness. The non-inferiority margin for the difference in the primary endpoint rate is set at 7.5% (one-sided test at ɑ 0.025). Both per-protocol and intention-to-treat analyses will be performed.

Discussion

This trial will provide evidence on whether 48 h of postoperative antibiotics is non-inferior to a standard course of 5 days of antibiotics. If non-inferiority is established, longer intravenous administration following appendectomy for complex appendicitis can be abandoned, and guidelines need to be adjusted accordingly.

Trial registration

Dutch Trial Register, NTR6128. Registered on 20 December 2016.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13063-018-2629-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Risk stratification in pediatric perforated appendicitis: Prospective correlation with outcomes and resource utilization

PURPOSE

Despite a wide spectrum of severity, perforated appendicitis in children is typically considered a single entity in outcomes studies. We performed a prospective cohort study to define a risk stratification system that correlates with outcomes and resource utilization.

METHODS

A prospective study was conducted of all children operated for perforated appendicitis between May 2015 and December 2016 at a tertiary free-standing university children's hospital. Surgical findings were classified into one of four grades of perforation: I. localized or contained perforation, II. Contained abscess with no generalized peritonitis, III. Generalized peritonitis with no dominant abscess, IV. Generalized peritonitis with one or more dominant abscesses. All patients were treated on a clinical pathway that involved all points of care from admission to final follow-up. Outcomes and resource utilization measures were analyzed using Fisher's exact test, Kruskal-Wallis test, One-way ANOVA, and logistic regression.

RESULTS

During the study period, 122 patients completed treatment, and 100% had documented follow-up at a median of 25days after operation. Grades of perforation were: I, 20.5%; II, 37.7%; III, 10.7%; IV, 31.1%. Postoperative abscesses occurred in 12 (9.8%) of patients, almost exclusively in Grade IV perforations. Hospital stay, duration of antibiotics, TPN utilization, and the incidence of postoperative imaging significantly increased with increasing grade of perforation.

CONCLUSION

Outcomes and resource utilization strongly correlate with increasing grade of perforated appendicitis. Postoperative abscesses, additional imaging, and additional invasive procedures occur disproportionately in patients who present with diffuse peritonitis and abscess formation. The current stratification allows risk-adjusted outcome reporting and appropriate assignment of resource burden.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

I (Prognosis Study).

Standardization of care for pediatric perforated appendicitis improves outcomes

BACKGROUND

The treatment of perforated appendicitis in children is characterized by significant variability in care, morbidity, resource utilization, and outcomes. We prospectively studied how minimization of care variability affects outcomes.

METHODS

A clinical pathway for perforated appendicitis, in use for three decades, was further standardized in May 2015 by initiation of a disease severity classification, refinement of discharge criteria, standardization of the operation, and establishment of criteria for use of postoperative total parenteral nutrition, imaging, and invasive procedures. Prospective evaluation of all children treated for 20months on the new fully standardized protocol was conducted and compared to a retrospective cohort treated over 58months prior to standardization. Differences between outcomes before and after standardization were analyzed using regression analysis techniques to adjust for disease severity.

RESULTS

Median follow-up time post discharge was 25 and 14days in the post- and prestandardization groups, respectively. Standardization significantly reduced postoperative abscess (9.8% vs. 17.4%, p=0.001) and hospital stay (p=0.002). Standardization reduced the odds of developing a postoperative abscess by four fold.

CONCLUSION

Minimizing variability of care at all points in the treatment of perforated appendicitis significantly improves outcomes.

TYPE OF STUDY

Prospective Cohort Study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II.

Early appendectomy shortens antibiotic course and hospital stay in children with early perforated appendicitis

BACKGROUND

The optimal management of perforated appendicitis in the pediatric population has been controversial. This study aimed to compare the therapeutic efficacy between conservative treatment (CS) and early appendectomy (EA) in pediatric perforated appendicitis, and to determine whether surgical intervention is an optimal treatment modality for early perforated appendicitis in children.

METHODS

Patients treated between January 2012 and April 2014, aged 0-18 years, with an imaging-based diagnosis of perforated appendicitis were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were classified into nonabscess and abscess groups by image findings, and were further categorized into CS and EA groups by treatment modality. Early perforated appendicitis was defined as having duration of symptoms≤7 days, C-reactive protein level≤200 mg/L, maximum abscess diameter≤5 cm, and absence of general peritonitis, and unstable vital signs. The clinical features and therapeutic outcomes were compared between CS and EA in each group.

RESULTS

A total of 326 patients had confirmed appendicitis, including 116 patients with an image diagnosis of perforation. The CS group had a significantly longer duration of symptoms, larger abscesses, and higher serum C-reactive protein levels at presentation (all p<0.05). Patients in the EA group had a shorter antibiotic course and length of hospitalization, and a lower rate of antibiotic escalation than those in the CS group (p<0.001, p<0.001, and p<0.05, respectively). In patients with early perforated appendicitis, the CS and EA groups showed no difference in baseline disease severity. Patients in the EA group also had a shorter antibiotic course and length of hospitalization than those in the CS group (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Compared with CS, EA shortens the antibiotic course and hospital stay in pediatric early perforated appendicitis, even in the presence of small abscesses.

Effect of a Standardized Protocol of Antibiotic Therapy on Surgical Site Infection after Laparoscopic Surgery for Complicated Appendicitis

BACKGROUND

Although it is accepted that complicated appendicitis requires antibiotic therapy to prevent post-operative surgical infections, consensus protocols on the duration and regimens of treatment are not well established. This study aimed to compare the outcome of post-operative infectious complications in patients receiving old non-standardized and new standard antibiotic protocols, involving either 5 or 10 days of treatment, respectively.

METHODS

We enrolled 1,343 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for complicated appendicitis between January 2009 and December 2014. At the beginning of the new protocol, the patients were divided into two groups; 10 days of various antibiotic regimens (between January 2009 and June 2012, called the non-standardized protocol; n = 730) and five days of cefuroxime and metronidazole regimen (between July 2012 and December 2014; standardized protocol; n = 613). We compared the clinical outcomes, including surgical site infection (SSI) (superficial and deep organ/space infections) in the two groups.

RESULTS

The standardized protocol group had a slightly shorter operative time (67 vs. 69 min), a shorter hospital stay (5 vs. 5.4 d), and lower medical cost (US$1,564 vs. US$1,654). Otherwise, there was no difference between the groups. No differences were found in the non-standardized and standard protocol groups with regard to the rate of superficial infection (10.3% vs. 12.7%; p = 0.488) or deep organ/space infection (2.3% vs. 2.1%; p = 0.797).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for complicated appendicitis, five days of cefuroxime and metronidazole did not lead to more SSIs, and it decreased the medical costs compared with non-standardized antibiotic regimens.

A call for a standardized definition of perforated appendicitis

BACKGROUND

Abscess rates have been reported to be as low as 1% and as high as 50% following perforated appendicitis (PA). This range may be because of lack of universal definition for PA. An evidence-based definition (EBD) is crucial for accurate wound classification, risk-stratification, and subsequent process optimization. ACS NSQIP-Pediatric guidelines do not specify a definition of PA. We hypothesize that reported postoperative abscess rates underrepresent true incidence, as they may include low-risk cases in final calculations.

METHODS

Local institutional records of PA patients were reviewed to calculate the postoperative abscess rate. The ACS NSQIP-Pediatric participant use file (PUF) was used to determine cross-institutional postoperative abscess rates. A PubMed literature review was performed to identify trials reporting PA abscess rates, and definitions and rates were recorded.

RESULTS

20.9% of our patients with PA developed a postoperative abscess. The ACS NSQIP-Pediatric abscess rate was significantly lower (7.61%, p<0.001). In the eighteen published studies analyzed, average abscess rate (14.49%) was significantly higher than ACS NSQIP-Pediatric (p<0.001). There was significantly more variation in trials that do not employ an EBD of perforation (Levene's test F-value =6.980, p=0.018).

CONCLUSIONS

A standard EBD of perforation leads to lower variability in reported postoperative abscess rates following PA. Nonstandard definitions may be significantly altering the aggregate rate of postoperative abscess formation. We advocate for adoption of a standard definition by all institutions participating in ACS NSQIP-Pediatric data submission.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Surgical site infection reporting: more than meets the agar

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Surgical site infection (SSI) rate in pediatric appendicitis is a commonly used hospital quality metric. We hypothesized that surveillance of organ-space SSI (OSI) using cultures alone would fail to capture many clinically-important events.

METHODS

A prospective, multidisciplinary surveillance program recorded 30-day SSI and hospital length of stay (LOS) for patients <18years undergoing appendectomy for perforated appendicitis from 2012 to 2015. Standardized treatment pathways were utilized, and OSI was identified by imaging and/or bacterial cultures.

RESULTS

Four hundred ten appendectomies for perforated appendicitis were performed, and a total of 84 OSIs (20.5%) were diagnosed with imaging. Positive cultures were obtained for 39 (46%) OSIs, whereas 45 (54%) had imaging only. Compared to the mean LOS for patients without OSI (5.2±2.9days), LOS for patients with OSI and positive cultures (13.7±5.4days) or with OSI without cultures (10.4±3.7days) was significantly longer (both p<0.001). The OSI rate identified by positive cultures alone was 9.5%, whereas the clinically-relevant OSI rate was 20.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

Using positive cultures alone to capture OSI would have identified less than half of clinically-important infections. Utilizing clinically-relevant SSI is an appropriate metric for comparing hospital quality but requires agreed upon standards for diagnosis and reporting.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

TYPE OF STUDY

Diagnostic study.

Predicting Postoperative Complications After Pediatric Perforated Appendicitis

PURPOSE

Assessment of risk factors for postoperative complications following surgical treatment of pediatric perforated appendicitis (PA) is necessary to identify those patients in need of closer monitoring. In this study, we have investigated the impact of different risk factors on the occurrence of complications after an appendectomy in children with PA.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was a retrospective, single-centre analysis of all pediatric PA conducted over a 10-year period. Preoperative clinical and laboratory results, intraoperative findings, and postoperative complications were analyzed. Risk factors were defined and a risk score was determined for postoperative complications and reinterventions.

RESULTS

Surgical treatment for appendicitis was performed in 840 pediatric patients during the observation period. 163 of the included patients were diagnosed with PA (mean age 8.9 ± 3.6 years). 19 (11.7%) patients developed postoperative complications, 17 (10.4%) of which required complication-related intervention. We identified five predictors of postoperative complications: the C-related protein value at admission, purulent peritonitis, open appendectomy (primary, secondary, or converted), placement of an abdominal drain, and administration of antibiotics not compliant to results from the subsequent antibiogram. The determined risk score was significantly higher in the complication group (p < .0001) and reintervention group (p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative complications following pediatric PA can be predicted using specific preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative risk factors. In the high-risk group, an active prevention, detection, and intervention of any occurring complication is necessary and we present a new specific pediatric risk score to define patients at risk for complications.

Fever and Reversible Laboratory Abnormalities Associated with Prolonged Use of Piperacillin-Tazobactam in Children

Piperacillin-tazobactam is used frequently in pediatric patients with complicated appendicitis and other intra-abdominal infections. We report 10 pediatric patients who developed a piperacillin-tazobactam-associated adverse reaction characterized by fever, rash, hematologic abnormalities and transaminitis. Physicians should be aware of this entity in patients treated with a prolonged course of piperacillin-tazobactam. Prompt identification can obviate unnecessary diagnostic testing and treatment.

Correlating surgical and pathological diagnoses in pediatric appendicitis

BACKGROUND

The stratification of appendicitis into simple and complex variants has far-reaching implications. While the operative diagnosis made by the surgeon dictates clinical management, the pathologic diagnosis often differs and is frequently used for coding and reimbursement. The purpose of this study was to examine discrepancies between the operative and pathologic diagnoses with subsequent correlation to clinical outcomes.

METHODS

Patients with acute appendicitis from July 2011 to July 2012 were identified. Diagnoses included simple (normal, acute, and suppurative) and complex (gangrenous and perforated). We evaluated the inter-rater reliability between pathologic and operative diagnoses in the five appendicitis categories. Clinical outcomes of deep and superficial surgical site infections were evaluated according to the pathologic and surgical diagnosis.

RESULTS

During the study period, we identified 1166 patients with acute appendicitis. The surgeon and pathologist agreed on the specific diagnosis (acute, suppurative, gangrenous, perforated, normal) in 48% of patients (kappa 0.289, 95% CI 0.259-0.324, p=0.001). Agreement on disease severity (simple vs. complex) improved to 82%. The operative diagnosis more accurately predicted infectious complications than the pathologic diagnoses.

CONCLUSION

Significant discordance exists between surgical and pathologic diagnoses. While the relevance of this discordance to clinical outcomes is still not clear, a potential for incorrect hospital coding and subsequent reimbursement exists. Future quality improvement projects should focus on standardizing the surgical and pathologic diagnoses.

Determinants of postoperative abscess occurrence and percutaneous drainage in children with perforated appendicitis

PURPOSE

Postoperative abscesses after perforated appendicitis have no clear risk factors or indications for percutaneous drainage. Our study addressed these two issues.

METHODS

A logistic regression model was used to delineate risk factors for postoperative abscess in children with perforated appendicitis treated during a recent 5-year period. Drainage of abscess was compared to antibiotic treatment.

RESULTS

Postoperative abscess occurred in 42 (14.8%) of 284 patients. Higher WBC count, presence of bowel obstruction at presentation, diffuse peritonitis with a dominant abscess at surgery, and one specific surgeon were significantly associated with postoperative abscess, while fever or pain requiring narcotics at the time of abscess diagnosis was significantly associated with drainage. Compared to non-drainage, those drained had longer hospital stay including readmissions (15.9 ± 5.3 vs. 12.2 ± 4.6 days, p < 0.005) and less readmissions (9.5 vs. 33.3%, p = 0.06). Over the 5-year period, there was no increased trend in abscess occurrence (p = 0.56), but there was an increased trend in the use of percutaneous drainage (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of a postoperative abscess can be predicted by specific clinical characteristics, surgical findings, and treatment-related factors. Percutaneous drainage was associated with longer hospital stays, but less readmissions.

Response-based therapy for ruptured appendicitis reduces resource utilization

PURPOSE

We examined the effectiveness of a postoperative ruptured appendicitis protocol that eliminated Pseudomonas coverage and based the duration of IV antibiotic treatment and length of hospital stay on the patient's clinical response.

METHODS

In our new protocol, IV antibiotics were administered until the patient met discharge criteria: adequate oral intake, pain control with oral medications, and afebrile for 24h. We collected data on all patients with ruptured appendicitis at our institution following protocol implementation (May 1, 2012, to April 30, 2013) and compared them to a control group.

RESULTS

306 patients were treated (154 prior protocol, 152 new protocol). The new clinical response-based protocol led to a decrease in hospital stay from 134h (SD 66.1) to 94.5h (SD 61.7) (p<0.001) and total cost of care per patient also decreased from $13,610 (SD $6859) to $9870 (SD $5670) (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our clinical response-based protocol for pediatric patients with ruptured appendicitis decreased LOS, cost, and IV antibiotics use without significant changes in adverse events.

Bacteriology and changes in antibiotic susceptibility in adults with community-acquired perforated appendicitis

This study evaluated bacterial etiology and antibiotic susceptibility in patients diagnosed with community-acquired perforated appendicitis over a 12-year-period. We retrospectively reviewed records of adult patients diagnosed with perforated appendicitis at an 800-bed teaching hospital between January 2000 and December 2011. In total, 415 culture-positive perforated appendicitis cases were analyzed. Escherichia coli was the most common pathogen (277/415, 66.7%), followed by Streptococcus species (61/415, 14.7%). The susceptibility of E. coli to ampicillin, piperacillin/tazobactam, ceftriaxone, cefepime, amikacin, gentamicin, and imipenem was 35.1%, 97.1%, 97.0%, 98.2%, 98.9%, 81.8%, and 100%, respectively. The overall susceptibility of E. coli to quinolones (ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin) was 78.7%. During the study period, univariate logistic regression analysis showed a significant decrease in E. coli susceptibility to quinolones (OR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.84-0.99, P = 0.040). We therefore do not recommend quinolones as empirical therapy for community-acquired perforated appendicitis.