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Marin JR, Lyons TW, Claudius I, Fallat ME, Aquino M, Ruttan T, Daugherty RJ. Optimizing Advanced Imaging of the Pediatric Patient in the Emergency Department: Policy Statement. Ann Emerg Med 2024; 84:e13-e23. [PMID: 39032991 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2024.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Advanced imaging, including ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), is an integral component to the evaluation and management of ill and injured children in the emergency department. As with any test or intervention, the benefits and potential impacts on management must be weighed against the risks to ensure that high-value care is being delivered. There are important considerations specific to the pediatric patient related to the ordering and interpretation of advanced imaging. This policy statement provides guidelines for institutions and those who care for children to optimize the use of advanced imaging in the emergency department setting and was coauthored by experts in pediatric and general emergency medicine, pediatric radiology, and pediatric surgery. The intent is to guide decision-making where children may access care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Marin
- Departments of Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine, & Radiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
| | - Todd W Lyons
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ilene Claudius
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California
| | - Mary E Fallat
- The Hiram C. Polk, Jr Department of Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Norton Children's Hospital, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Michael Aquino
- Cleveland Clinic Imaging Institute, and Section of Pediatric Imaging, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western University, Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Timothy Ruttan
- Department of Pediatrics, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin; US Acute Care Solutions, Canton, Ohio
| | - Reza J Daugherty
- Departments of Radiology and Pediatrics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, UVA Health/UVA Children's, Charlottesville, Virginia
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O'Guinn ML, Keane OA, Lee WG, Feliciano K, Spurrier R, Gayer CP. Clinical Characteristics of Avoidable Patient Transfers for Suspected Pediatric Appendicitis. J Surg Res 2024; 300:54-62. [PMID: 38795673 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2024.04.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pediatric surgical care is becoming increasingly regionalized, often resulting in limited access. Interfacility transfers pose a significant financial and emotional burden to when they are potentially avoidable. Of transferred patients, we sought to identify clinical factors associated with avoidable transfers in pediatric patients with suspected appendicitis. METHODS We performed a single-center retrospective study at an academic tertiary referral children's hospital in an urban setting. We included children who underwent interfacility transfer to our center with a transfer diagnosis of appendicitis from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2023. Encounters were designated as either an appropriate transfer (underwent appendectomy) or an avoidable transfer (did not undergo appendectomy). Encounters treated nonoperatively for complicated appendicitis were excluded. Bivariate analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney test and chi-square tests. RESULTS A total of 444 patients were included: 71.2% were classified as appropriate transfers and 28.8% as avoidable transfers. Patients with avoidable transfer were younger compared to those in the appropriate transfer cohort (median age 9 y, interquartile range: 7-13 versus 11 y, interquartile range: 8-14; P < 0.001). Avoidable transfers less frequently presented with the typical symptoms of fever, migratory abdominal pain, anorexia, and nausea/emesis (P = 0.005). Avoidable transfers also reported shorter symptom duration (P = 0.040) with lower median white blood cell count (P < 0.001), neutrophil percentage (P < 0.001), and C-reactive protein levels (P < 0.003). Avoidable transfers more frequently underwent repeat imaging upon arrival (42.9% versus 12.7%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the importance of clinical history in children with suspected appendicitis. Younger patients without typical symptoms of appendicitis, those with a shorter duration of symptoms, and lower serum inflammatory markers may benefit from close observation without transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- MaKayla L O'Guinn
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Olivia A Keane
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - William G Lee
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Karina Feliciano
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Ryan Spurrier
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; Division of Pediatric Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Christopher P Gayer
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; Division of Pediatric Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.
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Ju JJ, Zhang T, Cheng Y, Zhou YL, Qi SQ, Zhang ZQ, Shen WC, Pan ZB. Risk factors for acute complicated appendicitis in children aged three years and younger. BMC Pediatr 2024; 24:484. [PMID: 39068388 PMCID: PMC11282835 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-024-04959-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to identify risk factors associated with acute complicated appendicitis (CA) in children aged three years or younger, providing a theoretical foundation for the management and treatment of acute appendicitis (AA). METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on 135 pediatric patients with AA, admitted to the Department of General Surgery at Anhui Children's Hospital between December 2020 and December 2023, who underwent successful surgical treatment. Based on the intraoperative and postoperative pathological findings, patients were categorized into two groups: complicated appendicitis (CA) (n = 97 cases) and uncomplicated appendicitis (UA) (n = 38 cases). Clinical data including gender, age, weight, disease duration, preoperative white blood cell count (WCC), neutrophil granulocyte (NEUT) count, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, total bilirubin (TBil) levels, procalcitonin (PCT) levels, calprotectin (Cal) levels, preoperative ultrasound results indicating the presence or absence of fecaliths, maximum appendix diameter, and pediatric appendicitis sore (PAS) were collected and analyzed. Comparative analysis was performed to investigate the differences between the groups and identify risk factors of CA. RESULTS The CA group exhibited significantly higher values in disease duration, CRP levels, PCT, Cal, presence of appendiceal fecaliths, maximum appendix diameter, and PAS compared to the UA group (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis identified CRP levels, maximum appendix diameter, and PAS as independent risk factors for CA. Specifically, differences in CRP level (OR = 1.045, 95% CI:1.024 ~ 1.067, P < 0.001), PAS (OR = 1.768, 95% CI:1.086 ~ 2.879, P = 0.022), and maximum appendix diameter (OR = 1.860, 95% CI:1.085 ~ 3.191, P = 0.024) were significant. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values were 0.6776 for the PAS, 0.7663 for CRP, and 0.5604 for the maximum appendix diameter. CONCLUSION CRP levels, PAS, and maximum appendix diameter are independent risk factors for CA in children under three years of age. These parameters are valuable for the early diagnosis of CA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Jun Ju
- Department of General Surgery, Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital, Children's Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No.39 Wangjiang East Road, Baohe District Hefei, Hefei, Anhui, 230000, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital, Children's Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No.39 Wangjiang East Road, Baohe District Hefei, Hefei, Anhui, 230000, China
- The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230000, China
| | - Yuan Cheng
- Department of General Surgery, Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital, Children's Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No.39 Wangjiang East Road, Baohe District Hefei, Hefei, Anhui, 230000, China
| | - Yu-Liang Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital, Children's Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No.39 Wangjiang East Road, Baohe District Hefei, Hefei, Anhui, 230000, China
| | - Shi-Qin Qi
- Department of General Surgery, Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital, Children's Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No.39 Wangjiang East Road, Baohe District Hefei, Hefei, Anhui, 230000, China
| | - Zhen-Qiang Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital, Children's Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No.39 Wangjiang East Road, Baohe District Hefei, Hefei, Anhui, 230000, China
| | - Wei-Chen Shen
- Department of General Surgery, Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital, Children's Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No.39 Wangjiang East Road, Baohe District Hefei, Hefei, Anhui, 230000, China
| | - Zhu-Bin Pan
- Department of General Surgery, Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital, Children's Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No.39 Wangjiang East Road, Baohe District Hefei, Hefei, Anhui, 230000, China.
- The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230000, China.
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Pernía J, Cancho T, Segovia I, de Ponga P, Granda E, Velasco R. Predictive values of indirect ultrasound signs for low risk of acute appendicitis in paediatric patients without visualisation of the appendix on ultrasound. Emerg Med J 2024; 41:475-480. [PMID: 38729752 DOI: 10.1136/emermed-2023-213466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The ability to rule appendicitis in or out using ultrasound is limited by studies where the appendix is not visualised. We determined whether the absence of indirect ultrasound signs can rule out appendicitis in children undergoing a radiology-performed ultrasound in which the appendix is not visualised METHODS: This was a single-centre retrospective observational study of patients aged 3-13 with a clinical suspicion of acute appendicitis evaluated in a Paediatric Emergency Department in Spain from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2019. For those patients who had formal ultrasound, direct and indirect findings of ultrasound were abstracted from the ultrasound report. The surgical pathology report was established as the gold standard in patients who underwent an appendectomy. In those who did not, appendicitis was considered not to be present if there was no evidence in their charts that they had undergone an appendectomy or conservative therapy for appendicitis during the episode. The main outcome variable was the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. For patients undergoing ultrasound, the independent association of each indirect ultrasound sign with the diagnosis of appendicitis in patients without a visualised appendix was analysed using logistic regression. RESULTS We included 1756 encounters from 1609 different episodes. Median age at the first visit of each episode was 10.1 years (IQR, 7.7-11.9) and 921 (57.2%) patients were men. There were 730 (41.6%) encounters with an Alvarado score ≤3, 695 (39.6%) with a score 4-6 and 331 (18.9%) with a score ≥7. Appendicitis was diagnosed in 293 (17.8%) episodes. Ultrasonography was performed in 1115 (61.6%) encounters, with a visualised appendix in 592 (53.1%).The ultrasound findings independently associated with appendicitis in patients without a visualised appendix were the presence of free intra-abdominal fluid in a small quantity (OR:5.0 (95% CI 1.7 to 14.6)) or in an abundant quantity (OR:30.9 (95% CI 3.8 to 252.7)) and inflammation of the peri-appendiceal fat (OR:7.2 (95% CI 1.4 to 38.0)). The absence of free fluid and inflammation of the peri-appendiceal fat ruled out acute appendicitis in patients with an Alvarado score <7 with a sensitivity of 84.6% (95% CI 57.8 to 95.7) and a negative predictive value of 99.4% (95% CI 97.8 to 99.8). CONCLUSIONS Patients with an Alvarado score <7 and without a visualised appendix on ultrasound but who lack free fluid and inflammation of the peri-appendiceal fat are at very low risk of acute appendicitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Pernía
- Pediatrics Department, Hospital Universitario Rio Hortega, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Teresa Cancho
- Pediatrics Department, Hospital Universitario Rio Hortega, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Inés Segovia
- Pediatrics Department, Hospital Universitario Rio Hortega, Valladolid, Spain
| | | | - Elena Granda
- Pediatrics Department, Hospital Universitario Rio Hortega, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Roberto Velasco
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari. Institut d'Investigacio i Innovacio Parc Tauli (I3PT-CERCA), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Sabadell, Catalunya, Spain
- Paediatrics & Child Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Lee WH, O'Brien S, McKinnon E, Collin M, Dalziel SR, Craig SS, Borland ML. Study of pediatric appendicitis scores and management strategies: A prospective observational feasibility study. Acad Emerg Med 2024. [PMID: 39021271 DOI: 10.1111/acem.14985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective was to investigate the feasibility of prospectively validating multiple clinical prediction scores (CPSs) for pediatric appendicitis in an Australian pediatric emergency department (ED). METHODS A literature search was conducted to identify potential CPSs and a single-center prospective observational feasibility study was performed between November 2022 and May 2023 to evaluate the performance of identified CPSs. Children 5-15 years presenting with acute right-sided or generalized abdominal pain and clinician suspicion of appendicitis were included. CPSs were calculated by the study team from prospectively clinician-collected data and/or review of medical records. Accuracy of CPSs were assessed by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and proportions correctly identifiable as either low-risk or high-risk with the best performing CPS compared to clinician gestalt. Final diagnosis of appendicitis was confirmed on histopathology or by telephone/email follow-up for those discharged directly from ED. RESULTS Thirty CPSs were identified in the literature search and 481 patients were enrolled in the study. A total of 150 (31.2%) patients underwent appendectomy with three (2.0%) having a normal appendix on histopathology. All identified CPSs were calculable for at least 50% of the patient cohort. The pediatric Appendicitis Risk Calculator for pediatric EDs (pARC-ED; n = 317) was the best performing CPS with AUC 0.90 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.86-0.94) and specificity 99.0% (95% CI 96.4%-99.7%) in diagnosing high-risk cases and a misclassification rate of 4.5% for low-risk cases. CONCLUSIONS The study identified 30 CPSs that could be validated in a majority of patients to compare their ability to assess risk of pediatric appendicitis. The pARC-ED had the highest predictive accuracy and can potentially assist in risk stratification of children with suspected appendicitis in pediatric EDs. A multicenter study is now under way to evaluate the potential of these CPSs in a broader range of EDs to aid clinical decision making in more varied settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Hao Lee
- Emergency Department, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Medicine, Division of Paediatrics, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sharon O'Brien
- Emergency Department, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | | | - Michael Collin
- Department of Surgery, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Stuart R Dalziel
- Department of Paediatrics, Child and Youth Health, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Surgery, Child and Youth Health, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Emergency Department, Starship Children's Health, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Simon S Craig
- Department of Paediatrics, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Paediatric Emergency Department, Monash Medical Centre, Emergency Service, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Meredith L Borland
- Emergency Department, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Medicine, Division of Paediatrics, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Medicine, Division of Emergency Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Spampinato G, Virgillito C, Ghidini F, Ceccarelli PL. How can the surgeon choose preoperatively the most appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis vs therapy in pediatric acute appendicitis? Pediatr Surg Int 2024; 40:170. [PMID: 38955876 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-024-05753-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to find statistically valid criteria to preoperatively divide acute appendicitis into simple and complicated to enable surgeons to administer the most appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis/therapy before surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed a cohort of patients who underwent appendectomy from January 2022 to December 2023. Patients included were 0-14 years of age. Exclusion criteria included patients who underwent interval appendectomy or concurrent procedures at the same time of appendectomy. We divided patients into two groups: simple (group S) and complicated (group C) appendicitis according to intraoperative finding. Generalized linear model (GLM) with logit function was developed to identify the predictive variables of the type of appendicitis (S vs C) in terms of CRP value, neutrophils percentage and WBC count adjusted for age and sex of patients. Finally, principal component analysis (PCA) was carried out to identify the cutoff value of statistically significant variables found in the previous analysis. RESULTS One hundred and twenty patients were eligible (N female = 49, N male = 71) for the study. 74 and 46 patients were included in groups S and C, respectively. In a preliminary analysis using univariate and multivariate GLM, only CRP (p value = < 0.001) and neutrophils percentage (p value = 0.02) were predictive variables for the type of appendicitis. The GLM shows a statistical lower value of CRP (adjusted odds ratio [OR] per unit, 0.17 [95% CI, 0.08-0.39]) and neutrophil percentage (adjusted OR per unit, 0.37 [95% CI, 0.16-0.86]) in the S group compared to C adjusted to age and sex. PCA analysis revealed a P-ROC cutoff of 4.2 mg/dl and 80.1 of CRP value (AUC = 84%) and neutrophil percentage (AUC = 70%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS We will perform a prospective study giving preoperative prophylactic cefazolin to patients with a CRP value under 4.2 mg/dl and amoxicillin-clavulanate therapy to patient with CRP value over 4.2 mg/dl.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazia Spampinato
- U.O.C di Chirurgia Pediatrica, A.O.U. Policlinico di Modena, 71 Via del Pozzo, 41121, Modena, Italy.
| | - Chiara Virgillito
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Malattie Infettive, Università di Roma "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Filippo Ghidini
- Service de Chirurgie Pédiatrique, Hôpitaux Civils de Colmar, Colmar, France
| | - Pier Luca Ceccarelli
- U.O.C di Chirurgia Pediatrica, A.O.U. Policlinico di Modena, 71 Via del Pozzo, 41121, Modena, Italy
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Marin JR, Lyons TW, Claudius I, Fallat ME, Aquino M, Ruttan T, Daugherty RJ. Optimizing Advanced Imaging of the Pediatric Patient in the Emergency Department: Policy Statement. J Am Coll Radiol 2024; 21:1108-1118. [PMID: 38944444 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2024.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
Advanced imaging, including ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), is an integral component to the evaluation and management of ill and injured children in the emergency department. As with any test or intervention, the benefits and potential impacts on management must be weighed against the risks to ensure that high-value care is being delivered. There are important considerations specific to the pediatric patient related to the ordering and interpretation of advanced imaging. This policy statement provides guidelines for institutions and those who care for children to optimize the use of advanced imaging in the emergency department setting and was coauthored by experts in pediatric and general emergency medicine, pediatric radiology, and pediatric surgery. The intent is to guide decision-making where children may access care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Marin
- Departments of Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine, & Radiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
| | - Todd W Lyons
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ilene Claudius
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California
| | - Mary E Fallat
- The Hiram C. Polk, Jr Department of Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Norton Children's Hospital, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Michael Aquino
- Cleveland Clinic Imaging Institute, and Section of Pediatric Imaging, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western University, Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Timothy Ruttan
- Department of Pediatrics, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin; US Acute Care Solutions, Canton, Ohio
| | - Reza J Daugherty
- Departments of Radiology and Pediatrics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, UVA Health/UVA Children's, Charlottesville, Virginia
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Marin JR, Lyons TW, Claudius I, Fallat ME, Aquino M, Ruttan T, Daugherty RJ. Optimizing Advanced Imaging of the Pediatric Patient in the Emergency Department: Policy Statement. Pediatrics 2024; 154:e2024066854. [PMID: 38932710 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2024-066854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Advanced imaging, including ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, is an integral component to the evaluation and management of ill and injured children in the emergency department. As with any test or intervention, the benefits and potential impacts on management must be weighed against the risks to ensure that high-value care is being delivered. There are important considerations specific to the pediatric patient related to the ordering and interpretation of advanced imaging. This policy statement provides guidelines for institutions and those who care for children to optimize the use of advanced imaging in the emergency department setting and was coauthored by experts in pediatric and general emergency medicine, pediatric radiology, and pediatric surgery. The intent is to guide decision-making where children may access care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Marin
- Departments of Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine, & Radiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Todd W Lyons
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ilene Claudius
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California
| | - Mary E Fallat
- The Hiram C. Polk, Jr Department of Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Norton Children's Hospital, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Michael Aquino
- Cleveland Clinic Imaging Institute, and Section of Pediatric Imaging, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western University, Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Timothy Ruttan
- Department of Pediatrics, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin; US Acute Care Solutions, Canton, Ohio
| | - Reza J Daugherty
- Departments of Radiology and Pediatrics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, UVA Health/UVA Children's, Charlottesville, Virginia
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Marin JR, Lyons TW, Claudius I, Fallat ME, Aquino M, Ruttan T, Daugherty RJ. Optimizing Advanced Imaging of the Pediatric Patient in the Emergency Department: Technical Report. Pediatrics 2024; 154:e2024066855. [PMID: 38932719 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2024-066855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Advanced diagnostic imaging modalities, including ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, are key components in the evaluation and management of pediatric patients presenting to the emergency department. Advances in imaging technology have led to the availability of faster and more accurate tools to improve patient care. Notwithstanding these advances, it is important for physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners to understand the risks and limitations associated with advanced imaging in children and to limit imaging studies that are considered low value, when possible. This technical report provides a summary of imaging strategies for specific conditions where advanced imaging is commonly considered in the emergency department. As an accompaniment to the policy statement, this document provides resources and strategies to optimize advanced imaging, including clinical decision support mechanisms, teleradiology, shared decision-making, and rationale for deferred imaging for patients who will be transferred for definitive care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Marin
- Departments of Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine, & Radiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Todd W Lyons
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ilene Claudius
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California
| | - Mary E Fallat
- The Hiram C. Polk, Jr Department of Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Norton Children's Hospital, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Michael Aquino
- Cleveland Clinic Imaging Institute, and Section of Pediatric Imaging, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western University, Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Timothy Ruttan
- Department of Pediatrics, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin; US Acute Care Solutions, Canton, Ohio
| | - Reza J Daugherty
- Departments of Radiology and Pediatrics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, UVA Health/UVA Children's, Charlottesville, Virginia
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Marin JR, Lyons TW, Claudius I, Fallat ME, Aquino M, Ruttan T, Daugherty RJ. Optimizing Advanced Imaging of the Pediatric Patient in the Emergency Department: Technical Report. J Am Coll Radiol 2024; 21:e37-e69. [PMID: 38944445 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2024.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
Advanced diagnostic imaging modalities, including ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are key components in the evaluation and management of pediatric patients presenting to the emergency department. Advances in imaging technology have led to the availability of faster and more accurate tools to improve patient care. Notwithstanding these advances, it is important for physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners to understand the risks and limitations associated with advanced imaging in children and to limit imaging studies that are considered low value, when possible. This technical report provides a summary of imaging strategies for specific conditions where advanced imaging is commonly considered in the emergency department. As an accompaniment to the policy statement, this document provides resources and strategies to optimize advanced imaging, including clinical decision support mechanisms, teleradiology, shared decision-making, and rationale for deferred imaging for patients who will be transferred for definitive care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Marin
- Departments of Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine, & Radiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
| | - Todd W Lyons
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ilene Claudius
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California
| | - Mary E Fallat
- The Hiram C. Polk, Jr Department of Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Norton Children's Hospital, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Michael Aquino
- Cleveland Clinic Imaging Institute, and Section of Pediatric Imaging, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western University, Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Timothy Ruttan
- Department of Pediatrics, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin; US Acute Care Solutions, Canton, Ohio
| | - Reza J Daugherty
- Departments of Radiology and Pediatrics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, UVA Health/UVA Children's, Charlottesville, Virginia
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Donald N, Halliday L, Smith G, Dighe S. Risk Factors Associated With Negative Appendicectomy Rates: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Cureus 2024; 16:e64509. [PMID: 39139307 PMCID: PMC11320375 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.64509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute appendicitis (AA) is the most common emergency general surgical condition worldwide. Diagnosis is challenging and incorporates clinical, biochemical and radiological investigations. Our aim was to provide data from routine practice investigating widely utilised diagnostic methods from a single centre within the United Kingdom. METHODS We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study of patients who underwent a laparoscopic appendicectomy for AA between April 2022 and March 2023. AA was defined as the presence of transmural polymorphonuclear leukocytes in histology. Subgroup analysis was performed on paediatric patients. Factors associated with AA were investigated, and the diagnostic utility of biochemical and radiological investigations was examined. RESULTS A total of 330 appendicectomies were analysed. We found an overall negative appendicectomy rate (NAR) of 38% and 48% in paediatric patients. Independent factors associated with AA on the multivariate analysis included elevated neutrophil counts (>7 × 109/L) (OR 4.04), elevated CRP (>5 mg/L) (OR 3.04) and a radiological diagnosis (OR 8.0). Computerised tomography (CT) and ultrasound had sensitivity/specificity of 98%/47% and 35%/86%, respectively. The positive-predictive values were 85% for CT and 50% for ultrasound, and the negative-predictive values were 86% for CT and 77% for ultrasound. CONCLUSION Our study has highlighted the importance of utilising a combination of factors to improve the diagnostic certainty of AA. However, our routine practice data have shown different sensitivities and specificities of imaging in comparison to existing literature, resulting in a high NAR. Further real-world data are needed to understand whether these differences from the existing data are seen in other clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Donald
- General Surgery, Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, Dartford, GBR
| | - Laura Halliday
- General Surgery, Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, Dartford, GBR
- Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, GBR
| | - Gillian Smith
- General Surgery, Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, Dartford, GBR
| | - Shwetal Dighe
- General Surgery, Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, Dartford, GBR
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Adams SE, Perera MRS, Fung S, Maxton J, Karpelowsky J. Non-operative management of uncomplicated appendicitis in children: a randomized, controlled, non-inferiority study evaluating safety and efficacy. ANZ J Surg 2024. [PMID: 38873960 DOI: 10.1111/ans.19119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Appendicitis is the commonest paediatric surgical emergency. Adult studies suggest non-operative management (NOM) may have a place in care. There have been no adequately powered randomized controlled trials in children. OBJECTIVE to determine the safety and efficacy of NOM for paediatric simple appendicitis. METHODS A non-inferiority randomized controlled trial was conducted comparing operative (OM) to NOM of SA in children aged five-15 years. Primary outcome was treatment success (no unplanned or unnecessary operation, or complication) at 30 days and 12 months, with a non-inferiority margin of 15%. (anzctr.org.au: ACTRN12616000788471). RESULTS From 11 June 2016 to 30 November 2020, 222 children were randomized: 94 (42.34%) to OM and 128 (57.66%) to NOM. Non-inferiority of NOM was not demonstrated at either time point, with 45.67% of NOM patients subsequently undergoing operation. There was no significant difference in complications. CONCLUSIONS While noninferiority was not shown, NOM was safe, with no difference in adverse outcomes between the two groups. Further research to refine the place of NOM of simple appendicitis in children is required, including nuanced patient selection, longer term evaluation, the place of choice, and the acceptability of the treatment for children and their carers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Elizabeth Adams
- Toby Bowring Department of Paediatric Surgery, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Meegodage Roshell Swindri Perera
- Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Saskia Fung
- Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jordon Maxton
- Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jonathan Karpelowsky
- Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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13
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Bilir C. Letter to "Blood biomarkers to distinguish complicated and uncomplicated appendicitis in pediatric patients". J Formos Med Assoc 2024:S0929-6646(24)00251-1. [PMID: 38834376 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2024.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Cemal Bilir
- Bakircay University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Izmir, Turkey.
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14
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Cappuccio M, Bianco P, Rotondo M, Spiezia S, D'Ambrosio M, Menegon Tasselli F, Guerra G, Avella P. Current use of artificial intelligence in the diagnosis and management of acute appendicitis. Minerva Surg 2024; 79:326-338. [PMID: 38477067 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5691.23.10156-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Acute appendicitis is a common and time-sensitive surgical emergency, requiring rapid and accurate diagnosis and management to prevent complications. Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative tool in healthcare, offering significant potential to improve the diagnosis and management of acute appendicitis. This review provides an overview of the evolving role of AI in the diagnosis and management of acute appendicitis, highlighting its benefits, challenges, and future perspectives. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION We performed a literature search on articles published from 2018 to September 2023. We included only original articles. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS Overall, 121 studies were examined. We included 32 studies: 23 studies addressed the diagnosis, five the differentiation between complicated and uncomplicated appendicitis, and 4 studies the management of acute appendicitis. CONCLUSIONS AI is poised to revolutionize the diagnosis and management of acute appendicitis by improving accuracy, speed and consistency. It could potentially reduce healthcare costs. As AI technologies continue to evolve, further research and collaboration are needed to fully realize their potential in the diagnosis and management of acute appendicitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micaela Cappuccio
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Bianco
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery Unit, Pineta Grande Hospital, Castel Volturno, Caserta, Italy
| | - Marco Rotondo
- V. Tiberio Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Salvatore Spiezia
- V. Tiberio Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Marco D'Ambrosio
- V. Tiberio Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | | | - Germano Guerra
- V. Tiberio Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Pasquale Avella
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy -
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery Unit, Pineta Grande Hospital, Castel Volturno, Caserta, Italy
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15
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Shu B, Riedel J, Lacher M, Mayer S. The Top Ranked 101 Articles in Pediatric Surgical Journals from an Altmetric Perspective. Eur J Pediatr Surg 2024. [PMID: 38653480 DOI: 10.1055/a-2310-9985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the era of scientific digitalization, online media platforms gain increasing popularity to accomplish research output awareness. The Altmetric Attention Score AAS weights these online mentions based on a privy algorithm. We aimed to characterize the top 100 articles with the highest (AAS) published in pediatric surgery journals. MATERIALS AND METHODS Publications from six core pediatric surgery journals were retrieved from www.altmetric.com in January 2023 and ranked by their AAS. The top 101 publications were analyzed for their bibliometric measures, study design, and quality as well as online media mentions. RESULTS The top 101 AAS articles were published between 1974 and 2022, preferentially from the United States (64%) and mainly in Journal of Pediatric Surgery (73%), followed by Journal of Pediatric Surgery Case Reports, Pediatric Surgery International, Seminars in Pediatric Surgery, and European Journal of Pediatric Surgery. Their AAS ranged between 21 and 389 (median: 33), with Twitter/X being mostly responsible for online mentions (n = 2,189; 75%). The number of citations in peer-reviewed journals ranged between 0 and 358 (median: 16) and did not correlate to AAS. Retrospective study design (33%) with low evidence level IV (43%) dominated. CONCLUSION The Journal of Pediatric Surgery is the main source of high-profile AAS publications in pediatric surgery. The altmetric popularity of articles is predominantly achieved by their propagation via X, irrespective of the study quality and recognition in the scientific community. Thus, active "twitterism" may play the key role to reach high AAS scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boshen Shu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jan Riedel
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin Lacher
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Steffi Mayer
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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16
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Abu-Ashour W, Emil S, Poenaru D. Using Artificial Intelligence to Label Free-Text Operative and Ultrasound Reports for Grading Pediatric Appendicitis. J Pediatr Surg 2024; 59:783-790. [PMID: 38383177 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2024.01.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Data science approaches personalizing pediatric appendicitis management are hampered by small datasets and unstructured electronic medical records (EMR). Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots based on large language models can structure free-text EMR data. We compare data extraction quality between ChatGPT-4 and human data collectors. METHODS To train AI models to grade pediatric appendicitis preoperatively, several data collectors extracted detailed preoperative and operative data from 2100 children operated for acute appendicitis. Collectors were trained for the task based on satisfactory Kappa scores. ChatGPT-4 was prompted to structure free text from 103 random anonymized ultrasound and operative records in the dataset using the set variables and coding options, and to estimate appendicitis severity grade from the operative report. A pediatric surgeon then adjudicated all data, identifying errors in each method. RESULTS Within the 44 ultrasound (42.7%) and 32 operative reports (31.1%) discordant in at least one field, 98% of the errors were found in the manual data extraction. The appendicitis grade was erroneously assigned manually in 29 patients (28.2%), and by ChatGPT-4 in 3 (2.9%). Across datasets, the use of the AI chatbot was able to avoid misclassification in 59.2% of the records including both reports and extracted data approximately 40 times faster. CONCLUSION AI chatbot significantly outperformed manual data extraction in accuracy for ultrasound and operative reports, and correctly assigned the appendicitis grade. While wider validation is required and data safety concerns must be addressed, these AI tools show significant promise in improving the accuracy and efficiency of research data collection. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE Level III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waseem Abu-Ashour
- Harvey E. Beardmore Division of Pediatric Surgery, The Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; McGill University Health Centre Research Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Sherif Emil
- Harvey E. Beardmore Division of Pediatric Surgery, The Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; McGill University Health Centre Research Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Dan Poenaru
- Harvey E. Beardmore Division of Pediatric Surgery, The Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; McGill University Health Centre Research Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Dhillon BK, Kortbeek S, Baghela A, Brindle M, Martin DA, Jenne CN, Vogel HJ, Lee AHY, Thompson GC, Hancock REW. Gene Expression Profiling in Pediatric Appendicitis. JAMA Pediatr 2024; 178:391-400. [PMID: 38372989 PMCID: PMC10877506 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.6721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Importance Appendicitis is the most common indication for urgent surgery in the pediatric population, presenting across a range of severity and with variable complications. Differentiating simple appendicitis (SA) and perforated appendicitis (PA) on presentation may help direct further diagnostic workup and appropriate therapy selection, including antibiotic choice and timing of surgery. Objective To provide a mechanistic understanding of the differences in disease severity of appendicitis with the objective of developing improved diagnostics and treatments, specifically for the pediatric population. Design, Setting, and Participants The Gene Expression Profiling of Pediatric Appendicitis (GEPPA) study was a single-center prospective exploratory diagnostic study with transcriptomic profiling of peripheral blood collected from a cohort of children aged 5 to 17 years with abdominal pain and suspected appendicitis between November 2016 and April 2017 at the Alberta Children's Hospital in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, with data analysis reported in August 2023. There was no patient follow-up in this study. Exposure SA, PA, or nonappendicitis abdominal pain. Main Outcomes and Measures Blood transcriptomics was used to develop a hypothesis of underlying mechanistic differences between SA and PA to build mechanistic hypotheses and blood-based diagnostics. Results Seventy-one children (mean [SD] age, 11.8 [3.0] years; 48 [67.6%] male) presenting to the emergency department with abdominal pain and suspected appendicitis were investigated using whole-blood transcriptomics. A central role for immune system pathways was revealed in PA, including a dampening of major innate interferon responses. Gene expression changes in patients with PA were consistent with downregulation of immune response and inflammation pathways and shared similarities with gene expression signatures derived from patients with sepsis, including the most severe sepsis endotypes. Despite the challenges in identifying early biomarkers of severe appendicitis, a 4-gene signature that was predictive of PA compared to SA, with an accuracy of 85.7% (95% CI, 72.8-94.1) was identified. Conclusions This study found that PA was complicated by a dysregulated immune response. This finding should inform improved diagnostics of severity, early management strategies, and prevention of further postsurgical complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhavjinder K. Dhillon
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Simone Kortbeek
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Arjun Baghela
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mary Brindle
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Dori-Ann Martin
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Craig N. Jenne
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Hans J. Vogel
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Amy H. Y. Lee
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Graham C. Thompson
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Robert E. W. Hancock
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Sikes KL, Hart RJ, Feygin Y, Penrod CH. Effect of an Evaluation Algorithm on CT Utilization in Identifying Appendicitis in Children. Pediatr Emerg Care 2024; 40:191-196. [PMID: 38366654 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000003141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our objective was to determine if there was a significant change in computed tomography (CT) utilization or length of stay (LOS) among patients evaluated for acute appendicitis after implementation of an appendicitis evaluation algorithm. METHODS We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients aged 3-18 years in an urban, tertiary pediatric emergency department with acute abdominal pain, evaluated for appendicitis. Data were collected for 6 months preimplementation and postimplementation of the evaluation algorithm with a 3-month washout period between September 2018 and November 2019. Main outcomes were rate of CT utilization and LOS preimplementation and postimplementation and were analyzed using χ 2 test and Mann-Whitney U test, respectively. Descriptive analysis of demographics was performed, in addition to logistic regression to assess differences between the 2 study periods. RESULTS A total of 2872 charts were identified with a chief complaint inclusive of "abdominal pain." Of these, 1510 met age requirements but did not meet at least 1 inclusion criteria; 229 more were excluded upon chart review for a final study sample of 1133 patients. Of these, 648 (57.2%) were female, 747 (65.9%) were White, and 988 (87.2%) were non-Hispanic. The majority of patients (770, 68%) were discharged home from the emergency department without a diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Neither CT (25.7% to 24.8%; P = 0.794) nor ultrasound (59.5% to 59.7%; P = 1.000) utilization significantly changed postimplementation. Total ED median LOS increased significantly (333.50 to 362.00 minutes; P = 0.011). Significant factors associated with CT utilization included fever, migration of pain, and right lower quadrant tenderness. Significant factors associated with appendicitis diagnosis included right lower quadrant pain, nausea/vomiting, migration of pain, and peritoneal signs. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the appendicitis evaluation algorithm did not significantly decrease CT utilization or LOS. Equivocal grade 2 or 3 ultrasound finding rates were high, likely leading to higher rates of CT utilization and increasing LOS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rebecca J Hart
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Norton Children's Research Institute, Affiliated With the University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY
| | | | - Cody H Penrod
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Norton Children's Research Institute, Affiliated With the University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY
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Vevaud K, Dallocchio A, Dumoitier N, Laspougeas A, Labrunie A, Belgacem A, Fourcade L, Ballouhey Q. A prospective study to evaluate the contribution of the pediatric appendicitis score in the decision process. BMC Pediatr 2024; 24:131. [PMID: 38373918 PMCID: PMC10875762 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-024-04619-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to assess the likelihood of acute appendicitis (AA) in children presenting with abdominal symptoms at the emergency department (ED), based on their prior primary care (PC) consultation history. METHODS Between February and June 2021, we prospectively enrolled all children presenting at the ED with acute abdominal pain indicative of possible acute appendicitis (AA). Subsequently, they were categorized into three groups: those assessed by a PC physician (PG), those brought in by their family without a prior consultation (FG), and those admitted after a PC consultation without being assessed as such. The primary objective was to assess the probability of AA diagnosis using the Pediatric Appendicitis Score (PAS). Secondary objectives included analyzing PAS and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels based on the duration of pain and final diagnoses. RESULTS 124 children were enrolled in the study (PG, n = 56; FG, n = 55; NG, n = 13). Among them, 29 patients (23.4%) were diagnosed with AA, with 13 cases (23.2%) from the PG and 14 cases (25.4%) from the FG. The mean PAS scores for AA cases from the PG and FG were 6.69 ± 1.75 and 7.57 ± 1.6, respectively, (p = 0.3340). Both PAS scores and CRP levels showed a significant correlation with AA severity. No cases of AA were observed with PAS scores < 4. CONCLUSIONS There was no significant difference in PAS scores between patients addressed by PG and FG, even though PAS scores tended to be higher for patients with AA. We propose a new decision-making algorithm for PC practice, which incorporates inflammatory markers and pain duration. TRIAL REGISTRATION Institutional Ethics Committee registration number: 447-2021-103 (10/01/2021). CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NUMBER ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04885335 (Registered on 13/05/2021).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Vevaud
- Service de chirurgie pédiatrique, Hôpital des Enfants, Hôpital Universitaire de Limoges, 8 Avenue Dominique Larrey, Limoges Cedex, 87042, France
| | - Aymeric Dallocchio
- Service de chirurgie pédiatrique, Hôpital des Enfants, Hôpital Universitaire de Limoges, 8 Avenue Dominique Larrey, Limoges Cedex, 87042, France
| | - Nathalie Dumoitier
- Département universitaire de médecine Générale, Faculté de médecine de Limoges, 2 rue du Docteur Marcland, Limoges Cedex, 87042, France
| | - Alban Laspougeas
- Service de chirurgie pédiatrique, Hôpital des Enfants, Hôpital Universitaire de Limoges, 8 Avenue Dominique Larrey, Limoges Cedex, 87042, France
| | - Anaïs Labrunie
- Biostatistics and Research Methodology (CEBIMER), Limoges University Hospital, 2 rue du Docteur Marcland, Limoges Cedex, 87042, France
| | - Alexis Belgacem
- Service de chirurgie pédiatrique, Hôpital des Enfants, Hôpital Universitaire de Limoges, 8 Avenue Dominique Larrey, Limoges Cedex, 87042, France
| | - Laurent Fourcade
- Service de chirurgie pédiatrique, Hôpital des Enfants, Hôpital Universitaire de Limoges, 8 Avenue Dominique Larrey, Limoges Cedex, 87042, France
| | - Quentin Ballouhey
- Service de chirurgie pédiatrique, Hôpital des Enfants, Hôpital Universitaire de Limoges, 8 Avenue Dominique Larrey, Limoges Cedex, 87042, France.
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Pozailov S, Goldbart A, Aviram M, Maimon MS, Dizitzer Hillel Y, Gatt D, Raviv I, Avraham S, Kaplan O, Tsaregorodtsev S, Golan-Tripto I. Foreign body aspiration score (FOBAS)-a prospectively validated algorithm for the management and prediction of foreign body aspiration in children. Eur J Pediatr 2024; 183:815-825. [PMID: 38017338 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-05347-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Foreign body aspiration (FBA) is a common cause of pediatric morbidity, but a standardized protocol to guide decision-making about bronchoscopy is lacking. We aimed to validate a new Foreign body aspiration score (FOBAS) for the pediatric emergency department (ED). Patients aged 0-18 years referred to the ED for suspected FBA were prospectively enrolled. FOBAS was calculated according to clinical features of a choking episode, sudden cough, exposure to nuts, absence of fever and rhinitis, stridor, and unilateral auscultatory and radiological findings. FBA risk was evaluated based on the total score (low, 1-3; moderate, 4-6; high, 7-10). Low-risk children were discharged from the ED and followed clinically. Moderate-risk children were hospitalized and evaluated by a pediatric pulmonologist, and high-risk children were referred directly for therapeutic bronchoscopy. Among the 100 enrolled children (59% males; median age 20 [interquartile range 11-39] months), a foreign body was diagnosed in 1/49 (2%), 14/41 (34.1%), and 9/10 (90%) with low, moderate, and high FOBAS, respectively (P < .001). Logistic regression indicated a higher risk for FBA with higher scores. The odds ratio for each additional point was 2.75 (95% confidence interval 1.78-4.24), and FOBAS showed a high predictive value for FBA (area under the curve 0.89). FOBAS implementation significantly reduced the rate of negative bronchoscopies, from 67.4% annually during 2016-2019 to 50% in 2020 (P = .042). CONCLUSION FOBAS reliably predicts FBA in cases of suspected FBA and improves management and in-hospital decision-making. WHAT IS KNOWN • Foreign body aspiration is a major cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality. • Currently, there is no unified protocol for children referred to the emergency department for suspected FBA, therefore, a well-defined algorithm is needed to improve the decision-making process. WHAT IS NEW • The pediatric Foreign body aspiration score (FOBAS) is a new, prospectively validated clinical score that shows high sensitivity and specificity for the presence of FBA in children. • FOBAS reduces unnecessary admissions and invasive procedures and leads to better clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shani Pozailov
- Department of Pediatrics, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Aviv Goldbart
- Department of Pediatrics, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Pediatric Pulmonary Unit, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Micha Aviram
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Pediatric Pulmonary Unit, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Michal S Maimon
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Yotam Dizitzer Hillel
- Clinical Research Center, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Department of Pediatrics C, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikvah, Israel
| | - Dvir Gatt
- Department of Pediatrics, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Pediatric Pulmonary Unit, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Inbal Raviv
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Shir Avraham
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Or Kaplan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Sergey Tsaregorodtsev
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Inbal Golan-Tripto
- Department of Pediatrics, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
- Pediatric Pulmonary Unit, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
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21
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Pernía JV, Cancho T, Segovia I, Granda E, Velasco R. Diagnostic performance of serum biomarkers in acute appendicitis in children. Eur J Emerg Med 2024; 31:74-76. [PMID: 38116728 DOI: 10.1097/mej.0000000000001090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Ventura Pernía
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, Pediatrics Department, Hospital Universitario Rio Hortega, Valladolid
| | - Teresa Cancho
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, Pediatrics Department, Hospital Universitario Rio Hortega, Valladolid
| | - Inés Segovia
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, Pediatrics Department, Hospital Universitario Rio Hortega, Valladolid
| | - Elena Granda
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, Pediatrics Department, Hospital Universitario Rio Hortega, Valladolid
| | - Roberto Velasco
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, Pediatrics Department, Hospital Universitari Parc Tauli
- Institut d'Investigació i Innovació I3PT, Sabadell, Spain
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22
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Ferguson DM, Anderson KT, Avritscher EBC, Arshad SA, Bartz-Kurycki MA, Lally KP, Tsao K. Povidone-iodine intra-abdominal irrigation versus no irrigation in pediatric perforated appendicitis: A secondary economic analysis of a Bayesian randomized controlled trial. Am J Surg 2024; 227:157-160. [PMID: 37863798 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2023.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) conducted in children (2-17 y) with perforated appendicitis demonstrated an 89% probability of reduced intra-abdominal abscess (IAA) rate with povidone-iodine (PVI) irrigation, compared with no irrigation (NI). We hypothesized that PVI also reduced 30-day hospital costs. METHODS We conducted a retrospective economic analysis of a pilot RCT. Hospital costs, inflated to 2019 U.S. dollars, were obtained for index admissions and 30-day emergency visits and readmissions. Cost differences between groups were assessed using frequentist and Bayesian generalized linear models. RESULTS We observed a 95% Bayesian probability that PVI reduced 30-day mean total hospital costs ($16,555 [PVI] versus $18,509 [NI]; Bayesian cost ratio: 0.90, 95% CrI, 0.78-1.03). The mean absolute difference per patient was $1,954 less with PVI (95% CI, -$4,288 to $379). CONCLUSIONS PVI likely reduced the IAA rate and 30-day hospital costs, suggesting the intervention is both clinically superior and cost saving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalya M Ferguson
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, MSB 5.256, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Center for Surgical Trials and Evidence-based Practice (C-STEP), McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, MSB 5.256, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, 6411 Fannin Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - K Tinsley Anderson
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, MSB 5.256, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Center for Surgical Trials and Evidence-based Practice (C-STEP), McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, MSB 5.256, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, 6411 Fannin Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Elenir B C Avritscher
- Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, MSB 3.020, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Seyed A Arshad
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, MSB 5.256, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Center for Surgical Trials and Evidence-based Practice (C-STEP), McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, MSB 5.256, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, 6411 Fannin Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Marisa A Bartz-Kurycki
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, MSB 5.256, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Center for Surgical Trials and Evidence-based Practice (C-STEP), McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, MSB 5.256, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, 6411 Fannin Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Kevin P Lally
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, MSB 5.256, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Center for Surgical Trials and Evidence-based Practice (C-STEP), McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, MSB 5.256, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, 6411 Fannin Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - KuoJen Tsao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, MSB 5.256, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Center for Surgical Trials and Evidence-based Practice (C-STEP), McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, MSB 5.256, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, 6411 Fannin Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
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23
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Kitaoka H, Chikai H, Watanabe K, Ida H, Kumagai T. Diagnostic performance of the classic symptom "abdominal pain before vomiting" for pediatric acute appendicitis. Pediatr Neonatol 2024; 65:17-22. [PMID: 37487928 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedneo.2023.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute appendicitis is the most common type of acute abdomen that requires surgical intervention in children. According to general pediatric textbooks, the presence of vomiting before abdominal pain is considered a classic patient history item for excluding acute appendicitis. However, its diagnostic performance in the pediatric population has yet to be investigated. METHODS This was a single-center retrospective observational study involving 134 children who were admitted to the hospital with both abdominal pain and vomiting. The reference standard for appendicitis was defined by computed tomography scanning. The diagnostic performance of "abdominal pain before vomiting" was calculated and compared to those of the Alvarado score and pediatric appendicitis score. RESULTS The diagnostic performance of "abdominal pain before vomiting" was as follows: sensitivity of 75.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 64.7-83.6), specificity of 25.0% (95% CI, 15.5-36.7), positive likelihood ratio of 1.00 (95% CI, 0.82-1.22), negative likelihood ratio of 0.99 (95% CI, 0.54-1.79), and diagnostic odds ratio of 1.02 (95% CI, 0.46-2.25). In contrast, the Alvarado score and pediatric appendicitis score (with a threshold of 4 points) demonstrated favorable sensitivity (98.3% [95% CI, 92.4-99.6]), negative predictive value (94.6% [95% CI, 78.4-98.8]), negative likelihood ratio (0.04 [95% CI, 0.01-0.23]), and diagnostic odds ratio (49.9 [95% CI, 6.88-243.2]). CONCLUSION In this study, "abdominal pain before vomiting" was associated with poor diagnostic performance for ruling out acute pediatric appendicitis. Thus, the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in the pediatric population should be made based on existing validated scoring systems such as the Alvarado score and pediatric appendicitis score.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Kitaoka
- Department of Pediatrics, Yaizu City Hospital, Shizuoka, Japan; Department of Pediatrics, University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Hayato Chikai
- Department of Pediatrics, Yaizu City Hospital, Shizuoka, Japan; Department of Pediatrics, Tokyo Metropolitan Police Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keiko Watanabe
- Department of Pediatrics, Yaizu City Hospital, Shizuoka, Japan; Department of Pediatrics, University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroto Ida
- Department of Pediatrics, Yaizu City Hospital, Shizuoka, Japan
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24
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Marcinkevičs R, Reis Wolfertstetter P, Klimiene U, Chin-Cheong K, Paschke A, Zerres J, Denzinger M, Niederberger D, Wellmann S, Ozkan E, Knorr C, Vogt JE. Interpretable and intervenable ultrasonography-based machine learning models for pediatric appendicitis. Med Image Anal 2024; 91:103042. [PMID: 38000257 DOI: 10.1016/j.media.2023.103042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Appendicitis is among the most frequent reasons for pediatric abdominal surgeries. Previous decision support systems for appendicitis have focused on clinical, laboratory, scoring, and computed tomography data and have ignored abdominal ultrasound, despite its noninvasive nature and widespread availability. In this work, we present interpretable machine learning models for predicting the diagnosis, management and severity of suspected appendicitis using ultrasound images. Our approach utilizes concept bottleneck models (CBM) that facilitate interpretation and interaction with high-level concepts understandable to clinicians. Furthermore, we extend CBMs to prediction problems with multiple views and incomplete concept sets. Our models were trained on a dataset comprising 579 pediatric patients with 1709 ultrasound images accompanied by clinical and laboratory data. Results show that our proposed method enables clinicians to utilize a human-understandable and intervenable predictive model without compromising performance or requiring time-consuming image annotation when deployed. For predicting the diagnosis, the extended multiview CBM attained an AUROC of 0.80 and an AUPR of 0.92, performing comparably to similar black-box neural networks trained and tested on the same dataset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ričards Marcinkevičs
- Department of Computer Science, ETH Zurich, Universitätstrasse 6, Zürich, 8092, Switzerland.
| | - Patricia Reis Wolfertstetter
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Orthopedics, Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John of God, University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO), Steinmetzstrasse 1-3, Regensburg, 93049, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, Regensburg, 93053, Germany.
| | - Ugne Klimiene
- Department of Computer Science, ETH Zurich, Universitätstrasse 6, Zürich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Kieran Chin-Cheong
- Department of Computer Science, ETH Zurich, Universitätstrasse 6, Zürich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Alyssia Paschke
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, Regensburg, 93053, Germany
| | - Julia Zerres
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, Regensburg, 93053, Germany
| | - Markus Denzinger
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Orthopedics, Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John of God, University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO), Steinmetzstrasse 1-3, Regensburg, 93049, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, Regensburg, 93053, Germany
| | - David Niederberger
- Department of Computer Science, ETH Zurich, Universitätstrasse 6, Zürich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Sven Wellmann
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, Regensburg, 93053, Germany; Division of Neonatology, Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John of God, University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO), Steinmetzstrasse 1-3, Regensburg, 93049, Germany
| | - Ece Ozkan
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 43 Vassar Street, Cambridge, 02139, USA
| | - Christian Knorr
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Orthopedics, Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John of God, University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO), Steinmetzstrasse 1-3, Regensburg, 93049, Germany
| | - Julia E Vogt
- Department of Computer Science, ETH Zurich, Universitätstrasse 6, Zürich, 8092, Switzerland.
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25
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Nandan R, Samie AU, Acharya SK, Goel P, Jain V, Dhua AK, Khan MA, Yadav DK. Pediatric Appendicitis Score or Ultrasonography? In Search of a Better Diagnostic Tool in Indian Children with Lower Abdominal Pain. Indian J Pediatr 2023; 90:1204-1209. [PMID: 35794512 DOI: 10.1007/s12098-022-04226-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To prospectively assess the performance of pediatric appendicitis score (PAS) in diagnosing acute appendicitis in the children with lower abdominal pain and correlated with ultrasound findings; and to assess the impact of the PAS on clinical outcome and its efficacy in differentiating between complicated and uncomplicated appendicitis. METHODS A prospective study was done which included cases of lower abdominal pain. Appendectomy was done for PAS ≥ 6, and diagnosis was confirmed on histopathology. A receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was created to assess the PAS performance. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of ultrasonography in diagnosing appendicitis were assessed, and analysis of agreement between ultrasonography and PAS score was done by kappa statistics. RESULTS Of 260 cases with lower abdominal pain, 205 were suspected of having appendicitis. One hundred fifty-nine had PAS ≥ 6. There were 2/159 (1.26%) cases of negative appendectomies and 2/46 (4.34%) cases of missed appendicitis. The mean PAS was significantly higher in patients with appendicitis than in those without appendicitis. The area under the ROC curve was 0.9925. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value of PAS were 98.74%, 95.65%, 95.7% and 95.65%, respectively. Complicated appendicitis had significantly more PAS, fever, and cough tenderness than uncomplicated appendicitis. The sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonography were 86.79% and 17.39%, respectively. Agreement between ultrasonography-proven appendicitis and PAS-dependent appendicitis was weak. CONCLUSION PAS has high efficacy in diagnosing acute appendicitis. Clinical outcome was more favorable with the use of PAS. Ultrasonography should be used judiciously and in combination with clinical judgment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruchira Nandan
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Amat Us Samie
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Samir Kant Acharya
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Prabudh Goel
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Vishesh Jain
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Anjan Kumar Dhua
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Maroof Ahmad Khan
- Department of Biostatistics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Devendra Kumar Yadav
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India.
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26
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Aralihond A, Aniapravan R, Abdelgadir I, Powell C. Omental infarction in an overweight child: conservative treatment is a safe approach. BMJ Case Rep 2023; 16:e256232. [PMID: 37945275 PMCID: PMC10649688 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2023-256232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
A previously healthy but overweight (body mass index (BMI) of 24.4) adolescent boy presented with fever and significant right-sided abdominal pain. An abdominal ultrasound scan revealed an omental infarction (OI), which was treated conservatively. OI has been described in overweight teenage children with abdominal trauma but can be missed if not considered. A missed diagnosis could result in an unnecessary laparotomy or laparoscopic surgery. Although CT is the gold standard for diagnosis, ultrasonography is an effective approach to identifying OI in children. The benefits of early diagnosis of OI by abdominal ultrasound include a shorter hospital stay and a reduction in unnecessary investigations and surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Colin Powell
- Emergency Department, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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27
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Stephenson KJ, Shewmake CN, Spray BJ, Burford JM, Bonasso PC, Dassinger MS. The Sepsis Bundle Effect: An Evaluation of Culture Results and Utilization in Pediatric Appendicitis. Am Surg 2023; 89:4310-4315. [PMID: 35715017 DOI: 10.1177/00031348221109495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sepsis prevention pathways, which often include blood and urine cultures, are common in children's hospitals. Fever and tachycardia, signs often seen in patients with appendicitis, frequently trigger these pathways. We hypothesized that cultures were frequently obtained in children with appendicitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study evaluating children with image-confirmed appendicitis from 4/1/2019 to 10/1/2020, coinciding with the initiation of sepsis prevention pathways. Factors associated with culture acquisition, as well as culture results, treatment, and outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS Six hundred and fifty eight children presented with acute appendicitis during the 1.5-year period, with a median age of 10.67 years (interquartile range (IQR) 8.17-14.08). Cultures were obtained in 22.9%, including blood culture (BCx) in 8.1% and urine culture (UCx) in 17.9%. Culture acquisition decreased by 17.6% after sepsis protocol initiation. Blood culture acquisition correlated with fever (P = .003) and younger age (P = .03), whereas the attainment of BCx and UCx was associated with female sex (P = .04, P < .0001), complicated appendicitis (P = .0001, P = .03), and unknown diagnosis (P < .0001, P < .0001). There were five positive UCx (4.24%); however, all remained asymptomatic despite a short antibiotic duration dictated by institutional appendicitis protocol. The one positive BCx (1.89%) was suspected contamination and not treated. DISCUSSION The findings of this cohort suggest a low incidence of positive culture as well as lack of impact on clinical management in image-proven appendicitis and the initiation of a sepsis bundle without automatic culture acquisition may result in decreased culture attainment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krista J Stephenson
- Department of General Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Connor N Shewmake
- College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Beverly J Spray
- Biostatistics Core, Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Burford
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Patrick C Bonasso
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Melvin S Dassinger
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock, AR, USA
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28
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Shikha A, Kasem A. The Development and Validation of Artificial Intelligence Pediatric Appendicitis Decision-Tree for Children 0 to 12 Years Old. Eur J Pediatr Surg 2023; 33:395-402. [PMID: 36113502 DOI: 10.1055/a-1946-0157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Diagnosing appendicitis in young children (0-12 years) still poses a special difficulty despite the advent of radiological investigations. Few scoring models have evolved and been applied worldwide, but with significant fluctuations in accuracy upon validation. AIM To utilize artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to develop and validate a diagnostic model based on clinical and laboratory parameters only (without imaging), in addition to prospective validation to confirm the findings. METHODS In Stage-I, observational data of children (0-12 years), referred for acute appendicitis (March 1, 2016-February 28, 2019, n = 166), was used for model development and evaluation using 10-fold cross-validation (XV) technique to simulate a prospective validation. In Stage-II, prospective validation of the model and the XV estimates were performed (March 1, 2019-November 30, 2021, n = 139). RESULTS The developed model, AI Pediatric Appendicitis Decision-tree (AiPAD), is both accurate and explainable, with an XV estimation of average accuracy to be 93.5% ± 5.8 (91.4% positive predictive value [PPV] and 94.8% negative predictive value [NPV]). Prospective validation revealed that the model was indeed accurate and close to the XV evaluations, with an overall accuracy of 97.1% (96.7% PPV and 97.4% NPV). CONCLUSION The AiPAD is validated, highly accurate, easy to comprehend, and offers an invaluable tool to use in diagnosing appendicitis in children without the need for imaging. Ultimately, this would lead to significant practical benefits, improved outcomes, and reduced costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anas Shikha
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital, Jalan Putera Al-Muhtadee Billah, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
| | - Asem Kasem
- Computer Information Science, Higher Colleges of Technology, UAE
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29
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Wondemagegnehu BD. Presentation management and outcome of phlegmonous and inflammed appendicitis in children in Ethiopia: retrospective review. BMC Surg 2023; 23:278. [PMID: 37710191 PMCID: PMC10503200 DOI: 10.1186/s12893-023-02191-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute appendicitis is the leading cause of emergency pediatric surgical admissions in the world. The diagnosis is may be difficult and is often dependent on clinical parameters. This study was aimed at reviewing the clinical presentations, the management and outcomes in children with inflamed and phlegmonous appendicitis with reference to the operative findings. METHODS The records of 211 children 5 to 15 years of age who were operated for acute appendicitis with intra operative findings of inflamed or phlegmonous appendicitis who met inclusion criteria were entered and analyzed using SPSS (IBM) V.26. Descriptive and regression tests were done with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS Of 211 children with inflamed and phlegmonous appendicitis, the M: F was 1.48:1 with a median age of 11 years. 58.3% of them presented within 24 h with the commonest symptoms being right lower abdominal pain, anorexia, and vomiting (96.2%,96.2%, 85.3%,) respectively. 96.7% of them had right lower abdominal tenderness. 73% had neutrophils ≥ 75%, and of 171 patients who had abdominal ultrasound scan, 97.7% showed appendiceal diameter ≥ 6 mm. Intraoperatively 56.4% of them were found to have phlegmonous appendicitis. In a retrospective Pediatric Appendiceal Score, only 52.6% of patients fall into the high-risk category, who could be confirmed on preoperative clinical assessment. Postoperatively 90% of them discharged improved with a mean hospital stay of 2.26(SD = 0.9) days. There was no association between the sex of the child and the intraoperative finding of inflamed or phlegmonous appendicitis (p = 0.77). CONCLUSION Pediatric appendicitis affects more male children in their second decade of life. Most had phlegmonous appendicitis and presented within 24 h. Duration of illness has little effect on the progress of appendicitis. Surgical management is safe for inflamed and phlegmonous appendicitis with a reasonable hospital stay and a low rate of complications.
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30
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Raviv I, Pozailov S, Avraham S, Aviram M, Goldbart A, Dizitzer Y, Gatt D, Tsaregorodtsev S, Golan-Tripto I. Evaluation of Foreign body aspiration score (FOBAS) in children- A retrospective cohort study. Eur J Pediatr 2023; 182:4205-4212. [PMID: 37450025 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-05095-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Foreign Body Aspiration (FBA) is a common medical emergency among young children, but the evaluation and management of a suspected FBA case can vary across physicians and centers. We aimed to identify which clinical, laboratory, and radiological findings can predict FBA in children and to evaluate a clinical score to improve FBA prediction. This is a retrospective cohort study of patients aged 0-18 years admitted to Soroka University Medical Center between 2010 and 2020 with suspected FBA. All patients underwent flexible bronchoscopy and were divided into positive and negative FBA groups. A newly developed foreign body aspiration score (FOBAS), based on medical history, physical examination, and chest X-ray findings, was evaluated for its predictability. The study included 412 children (median age 21 months, 56.8% females), of whom 154 (37.4%) had FBA and 258 (62.6%) did not. Multivariate regression analysis showed exposure to nuts/seeds, unilateral wheezing or decreased breath sounds, stridor, and suggestive findings on chest X-ray were significant risk factors for FBA (OR [95%CI] -1.994[1.290-3.082], 1.487[1.206-1.832], 1.883 [1.011-3.509] and 2.386[1.917-2.970], respectively). However, a choking episode, acute cough, and absence of fever and rhinorrhea did not predict FBA. FOBAS showed an increased risk of FBA for each additional point of the score, with an odds ratio of 1.572 (95% CI-1.389-1.799). Conclusion: FOBAS is a good predictor for the presence of FBA in children. Once prospectively validated, FOBAS could aid in decision-making at the emergency department, enabling more standardized care, reducing unnecessary procedures, and leading to better clinical outcomes. What is Known: • The evaluation and management of a child with suspected foreign body aspiration (FBA) vary across physicians and centers, without a consensus regarding the indications and criteria for performing bronchoscopy. • Flexible bronchoscopy is the standard procedure for the diagnosis and sometimes treatment of FBA in children, but it may hold potential complications. What is New: • We propose a newly developed foreign body aspiration score (FOBAS), based on medical history, physical examination, and chest X-ray findings, for the prediction of FBA in children at the emergency department. • The FOBAS is a good predictor of FBA in children. The score enables more standardized care and may reduce unnecessary procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inbal Raviv
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Shani Pozailov
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Department of Pediatrics, Soroka University Center Beer-Sheva, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Shir Avraham
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Micha Aviram
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Pediatric Pulmonary Unit, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Aviv Goldbart
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Department of Pediatrics, Soroka University Center Beer-Sheva, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Pediatric Pulmonary Unit, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Yotam Dizitzer
- Department of Pediatric C, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikvah, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Dvir Gatt
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Department of Pediatrics, Soroka University Center Beer-Sheva, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Pediatric Pulmonary Unit, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Sergey Tsaregorodtsev
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Inbal Golan-Tripto
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
- Department of Pediatrics, Soroka University Center Beer-Sheva, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
- Pediatric Pulmonary Unit, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
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31
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Lam A, Squires E, Tan S, Swen NJ, Barilla A, Kovoor J, Gupta A, Bacchi S, Khurana S. Artificial intelligence for predicting acute appendicitis: a systematic review. ANZ J Surg 2023; 93:2070-2078. [PMID: 37458222 DOI: 10.1111/ans.18610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Paediatric appendicitis may be challenging to diagnose, and outcomes difficult to predict. While diagnostic and prognostic scores exist, artificial intelligence (AI) may be able to assist with these tasks. METHOD A systematic review was conducted aiming to evaluate the currently available evidence regarding the use of AI in the diagnosis and prognostication of paediatric appendicitis. In accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, the databases PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched. This review was prospectively registered on PROSPERO. RESULTS Ten studies met inclusion criteria. All studies described the derivation and validation of AI models, and none described evaluation of the implementation of these models. Commonly used input parameters included varying combinations of demographic, clinical, laboratory, and imaging characteristics. While multiple studies used histopathological examination as the ground truth for a diagnosis of appendicitis, less robust techniques, such as the use of ICD10 codes, were also employed. Commonly used algorithms have included random forest models and artificial neural networks. High levels of model performance have been described for diagnosis of appendicitis and, to a lesser extent, subtypes of appendicitis (such as complicated versus uncomplicated appendicitis). Most studies did not provide all measures of model performance required to assess clinical usability. CONCLUSIONS The available evidence suggests the creation of prediction models for diagnosis and classification of appendicitis using AI techniques, is being increasingly explored. However, further implementation studies are required to demonstrate benefit in system or patient-centred outcomes with model deployment and to progress these models to the stage of clinical usability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoinette Lam
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Emily Squires
- Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Sheryn Tan
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Ng Jeng Swen
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | | | - Joshua Kovoor
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Aashray Gupta
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Stephen Bacchi
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Sanjeev Khurana
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Gil LA, Deans KJ, Minneci PC. Appendicitis in Children. Adv Pediatr 2023; 70:105-122. [PMID: 37422289 DOI: 10.1016/j.yapd.2023.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
The management of pediatric appendicitis continues to advance with the development of evidence-based treatment algorithms and a recent shift toward patient-centered treatment approaches. Further research should focus on development of standardized institution-specific diagnostic algorithms to minimize rates of missed diagnosis and appendiceal perforation and refinement of evidence-based clinical treatment pathways that reduce complication rates and minimize health care resource utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay A Gil
- Pediatric Surgery Research Fellow, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH 43206, USA
| | - Katherine J Deans
- Department of Surgery, Nemours Children's Health, Delaware Valley, 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
| | - Peter C Minneci
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 611 East Livingston Avenue, Columbus, OH 43206, USA.
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Bekiaridou K, Kambouri K, Giatromanolaki A, Foutzitzi S, Kouroupi M, Aggelidou M, Deftereos S. Predicting Complicated Appendicitis in Children: Pros and Cons of a New Score Combining Clinical Signs, Laboratory Values, and Ultrasound Images (CLU Score). Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2275. [PMID: 37443669 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13132275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This retrospective study aimed to combine the clinical signs, laboratory values, and ultrasound images of 199 children with acute appendicitis in order to create a new predictive score for complicated appendicitis in children. METHODS The study included children who had clinical examination of abdominal pain (description of pain, anorexia, body temperature, nausea or vomiting, duration of symptoms), laboratory findings on admission (white blood cell, platelets, neutrophils, C-reactive protein), preoperative abdominal ultrasound, and histopathological report after an operation for appendicitis in their records during the period from January 2016 to February 2022. RESULTS According to the statistical analysis of the values using multivariate logistic regression models, the patients with appendiceal diameter ≥ 8.45 mm, no target sign appearance, appendicolith, abscess, peritonitis, neutrophils ≥ 78.95%, C-reactive protein ≥ 1.99 mg/dL, body temperature ≥ 38 °C, pain migration to right lower quadrant, and duration of symptoms < 24 h were more likely to suffer from complicated appendicitis. The new score was comprised of the 10 variables that were found statistically significant in the multivariate logistic model. Each of these variables was assigned a score of 1 due to the values that were associated with complicated appendicitis. CONCLUSIONS A cutoff value of ≥4 has been a good indicator of the final score. The sensitivity with the usage of this score is 81.1%, the specificity 82.4%, the PPV 73.2%, the NPV approaches 88% and finally the accuracy is 81.9%. Also, the pros and cons of this score are discussed in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantina Bekiaridou
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Katerina Kambouri
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | | | - Soultana Foutzitzi
- Department of Radiology, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Maria Kouroupi
- Department of Pathology, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Maria Aggelidou
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Savas Deftereos
- Department of Pathology, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
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Raeisi R, Azizi M, Amiri J, Ghorbanpour M, Esna-Ashari F. Accuracy Evaluation of Pediatric Appendicitis Scoring (PAS) Method in Differentiating Nonspecific Abdominal Pain from Appendicitis. Int J Prev Med 2023; 14:40. [PMID: 37351062 PMCID: PMC10284213 DOI: 10.4103/ijpvm.ijpvm_539_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed at evaluating the accuracy of the pediatric appendicitis scoring method in differentiating nonspecific abdominal pain (NSAP) from appendicitis. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 391 children who were hospitalized in the emergency ward due to acute abdominal pain suspected of appendicitis . Pediatric Appendicitis Score (PAS), C-reactive protein (CRP), and appendicitis pathology results of patients undergoing surgery were recorded. Results The results showed that the no significant difference was found among patients in the three experimental groups (appendicitis, specific abdominal pain except appendicitis, and NSAP) with respect to temperature (p = 0.212), but the other variables were significantly different. Findings showed that high CRP frequency, pain migration to right lower quadrant (RLQ), tenderness in right iliac fossa (RIF), anorexia, leukocytosis, high neutrophil, and mean tenderness in RLQ in the appendicitis group were higher than those in the other two groups (p = 0.001). The PAS questionnaire can also be used as a reliable questionnaire with appropriate sensitivity (0.929) and specificity (0.993), and this questionnaire along with detailed clinical examinations could reduce the rate of negative appendectomy to less than 1%. Conclusions This study showed high accuracy of PAS in diagnosing children with appendicitis and differentiating appendicitis from cases of NSAP and specific abdominal pain other than appendicitis. The PAS system could also significantly reduce cases of negative appendicitis. Although high CRP had an excellent ability to diagnose appendicitis, its accuracy was lower than PAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roya Raeisi
- Department of Pediatrics, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mona Azizi
- Department of Pediatrics, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Jalaleddin Amiri
- Department of Pediatrics, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | | | - Farzaneh Esna-Ashari
- Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- School of Public Health and Research Center for Health Sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
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Differentiating abdominal pain due to COVID-19 associated multisystem inflammatory syndrome from children with acute appendicitis: a score system. Pediatr Surg Int 2023; 39:151. [PMID: 36897476 PMCID: PMC9999317 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-023-05432-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Differentiating abdominal pain due to coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-associated multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) in children with acute appendicitis (AA) can cause diagnostic dilemmas. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a previously described scoring system and improve its diagnostic ability in differentiating between these diseases. METHODS This study was conducted between March 2020 and January 2022. Patients who had MIS-C with gastrointestinal system (GIS) involvement and patients who underwent surgery for appendicitis were included. First, all patients were evaluated using the new scoring system (NSS). The groups were compared by adding new MISC-specific parameters to NSS. The scoring system was evaluated using propensity score matching (PSM). RESULTS A total of 35 patients with abdominal pain due to GIS involvement in MIS-C (group A) and 37 patients with AA who had ALT, PRC, and D-dimer results at their first admission (group B) were included in the study. The mean age of patients in group A was lower than that of patients in group B (p < 0.001). False NSS positivity was found in 45.7% of the patients with MIS-C. Lymphocyte (p = 0.021) and platelet counts (p = 0.036) were significantly lower in the blood count and serum D-dimer (p = 0.034), C-reactive protein (CRP) (p < 0.001), and procalcitonin (p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the MIS-C group. We created a scoring system called the Appendicitis-MISC Score (AMS) using the NSS and new parameters. The sensitivity and specificity of AMS diagnostic scores were 91.9% and 80%, respectively. CONCLUSION MIS-C with GIS involvement may present as acute abdomen. It is difficult to differentiate this condition from acute appendicitis. AMS has been shown to be useful for this differentiation.
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Yap TL, Li FX, Lee IN, Chen Y, Choo CS, Sim SW, Rai R, Ong LY. Covid-19 Pandemic Strategy for Treatment of Acute Uncomplicated Appendicitis with Antibiotics- Risk Categorization and Shared Decision-Making. J Pediatr Surg 2023:S0022-3468(23)00172-0. [PMID: 36931940 PMCID: PMC9946726 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2023.02.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a protocol was adopted by our department on antibiotics treatment for Acute Uncomplicated Appendicitis (AUA). Our study aimed to determine the feasibility and safety of non-operative treatment (NOT), compared to upfront laparoscopic appendectomy (LA), for AUA in children during the pandemic. METHOD Our prospective comparative study was conducted from May 1, 2020 to January 31, 2021. Patient selection criteria included: age ≥5 years, abdominal pain duration ≤48 h, ultrasound (US)/Computered Tomography scan confirmation of AUA, US appendiceal diameter 6-11 mm with no features of perforation/abscess collection and no faecolith. For NOT patients, intravenous antibiotics were administered for 24-48 h followed by oral for 10-day course. Comparison was performed between patients whose parents preferred NOT to those who opted for up-front appendectomy. Primary outcomes were NOT success at index admission, early and late NOT failure rates till 27 months. Secondary outcomes were differences in complication rate, hospital length of stay (LOS) and cost between groups. RESULTS 77 patients were recruited: 43 (55.8%) underwent NOT while 34 (44.2%) patients opted for LA. Success of NOT at index admission was 90.7% (39/43). Overall, NOT failure rate at 27 months' follow-up was 37.2% (16/43). Of the NOT failures, 1 appendix was normal on histology while only 1 was perforated. There were no significant differences in secondary outcomes between both groups except for LOS of late NOT failure. Cost for upfront LA was nearly thrice that of NOT. CONCLUSION Our stringent COVID protocol together with shared decision-making with parents is a safe and feasible treatment option during a crisis situation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Treatment study, Level II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Te-Lu Yap
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, KK Women's & Children's Hospital, Singapore; Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore.
| | - Fay Xz Li
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, KK Women's & Children's Hospital, Singapore
| | | | - Yong Chen
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, KK Women's & Children's Hospital, Singapore; Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| | - Candy Sc Choo
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, KK Women's & Children's Hospital, Singapore
| | - Siam Wee Sim
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, KK Women's & Children's Hospital, Singapore
| | - Rambha Rai
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, KK Women's & Children's Hospital, Singapore; Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| | - Lin Yin Ong
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, KK Women's & Children's Hospital, Singapore; Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
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Hwang JK, Cho YJ, Kang BS, Min KW, Cho YS, Kim YJ, Lee KS. Omental infarction diagnosed by computed tomography, missed with ultrasonography: A case report. World J Clin Cases 2023; 11:972-978. [PMID: 36818623 PMCID: PMC9928693 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i4.972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Omental infarction (OI) is a surgical abdominal disease that is not common in adults and is very rare in children. Similar to various acute abdominal pain diseases including appendicitis, diagnosis was previously achieved by diagnostic laparotomy but more recently, ultrasonography or computed tomography (CT) examination has been used.
CASE SUMMARY A 6-year-old healthy boy with no specific medical history visited the emergency room with right lower abdominal pain. He underwent abdominal ultrasonography by a radiologist to rule out acute appendicitis. He was discharged with no significant sonographic finding and symptom relief. However, the symptoms persisted for 2 more days and an outpatient visit was made. An outpatient abdominal CT was used to make a diagnosis of OI. After laparoscopic operation, his symptoms resolved.
CONCLUSION In children’s acute abdominal pain, imaging studies should be performed for appendicitis and OI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Kyoon Hwang
- Department of Pediatrics, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Guri-si 11923, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Yu Jeong Cho
- Department of Surgery, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Guri-si 11923, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Bo Seung Kang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Guri-si 11923, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Kyueng-Whan Min
- Department of Pathology, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Guri-si 11923, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Young Seo Cho
- Department of Radiology, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Guri-si 11923, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Yong Joo Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Hanyang University Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul 04763, South Korea
| | - Kyung Suk Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Guri-si 11923, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
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Kaselas C, Florou M, Demiri C, Tsopozidi M, Anastasiadis K, Spyridakis I. Classification systems of acute appendicitis as an indicator for paediatric surgical consultation of children with acute abdominal pain. J Paediatr Child Health 2023; 59:360-364. [PMID: 36546400 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.16308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
AIM This study examined if the classification systems for acute appendicitis could be applied in the emergency department as an indicator for surgical consultation, in order to reduce unnecessary paediatric surgery admission. METHODS The Alvarado Score (ALS) and the Pediatric Appendicitis Score (PAS) were applied. The decisions for hospitalisation and treatment were made independent of the scores. RESULTS In total, 307 children with abdominal pain suggestive of acute appendicitis were included. We used a cut-off point of 7 and divided the patients into groups; the group with score ≥ 7 points was considered the positive ALS and/or PAS group, and the group with score < 7 points was the negative ALS and/or PAS group. The same process for cut-values set at 6 points was followed. The joint probabilities for the 7-point-thresholds were: ALS-sensitivity 84%, PAS-sensitivity 85%, ALS-specificity 92%, PAS-specificity 92%, ALS-positive predictive value (PPV) 83%, PAS-PPV 84% and 93% negative predictive value (NPV) for both scores. Considering the 6-point-thresholds, we estimated: 94% sensitivity for both scores, 74% ALS-specificity, 84% PAS-specificity, 66% ALS-PPV, 73% PAS-PPV, 91% ALS-NPV and 97% PAS-NPV. CONCLUSION The scoring systems provided acceptable prediction of patients with and without appendicitis. They may be of use in the emergency department, as assistive diagnostic-tools, in order to reduce paediatric surgery consultations, admissions and treatment costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Kaselas
- Second Pediatric Surgery Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, "Papageorgiou" General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria Florou
- Second Pediatric Surgery Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, "Papageorgiou" General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Charikleia Demiri
- Second Pediatric Surgery Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, "Papageorgiou" General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria Tsopozidi
- Second Pediatric Surgery Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, "Papageorgiou" General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Kleanthis Anastasiadis
- Second Pediatric Surgery Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, "Papageorgiou" General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioannis Spyridakis
- Second Pediatric Surgery Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, "Papageorgiou" General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Stackievicz R, Milner R, Werner M, Arnon S, Steiner Z. Follow-up ultrasonographic findings among children treated conservatively for uncomplicated acute appendicitis. Pediatr Radiol 2023; 53:223-234. [PMID: 36112194 PMCID: PMC9483395 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-022-05497-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ultrasound is an accurate tool for diagnosing acute appendicitis. Conservative treatment for uncomplicated acute appendicitis is feasible and safe in children. However, no sonographic follow-up results from children with nonoperatively managed acute appendicitis have been reported. OBJECTIVE To describe the sonographic appearance of the appendix at follow-up ultrasound and to attempt to identify signs predictive of recurrent acute appendicitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Children diagnosed with uncomplicated acute appendicitis and treated conservatively in our hospital from 2014 to 2019, and who presented for follow-up ultrasound at 3, 6 and 9 months, were included in our study. Clinical, laboratory and ultrasound data were recorded. RESULTS By the end of follow-up, 29 (14.2%) of 204 children in the cohort had developed recurrent acute appendicitis and 175 had recovered uneventfully. On follow-up ultrasound, appendiceal diameter measured > 6 mm in 56/204 (27.5%) cases at 3 months and in 9/26 (34.5%) at 6 months. After 3 months, 102/204 (50%) children had normal appendiceal diameter on ultrasound. Appendiceal diameter > 6 mm was associated with intraluminal fluid or sludge in the appendiceal lumen at 3- and 6-month follow-up (P < 0.001, P = 0.002, respectively). Comparing cases with and without recurrence, at 3-month follow-up, appendiceal diameter > 6 mm was found in 17/29 (58.6%) cases vs. 39/175 (22.3%), respectively (P < 0.001). Appendiceal diameter returned to normal in 12/19 (63.2%) cases in the nonrecurrent acute appendicitis group compared with 2/7 (28.6%) in the recurrent acute appendicitis group (P = 0.05) at the 6-month follow-up. Intraluminal fluid or sludge was detected more frequently in the recurrent acute appendicitis versus the nonrecurrent acute appendicitis group at 3- (P < 0.001) and 6-month (P = 0.001) follow-up. CONCLUSION Progressive normalization of appendiceal diameter was noted on follow-up ultrasound. The prevalence of both appendiceal diameter > 6 mm and intraluminal fluid or sludge were found to be increased in children who later developed recurrent acute appendicitis. Ultrasound appears to be a useful tool for follow-up in children with conservatively treated uncomplicated acute appendicitis and possibly might help predict recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodica Stackievicz
- Department of Radiology, Meir Medical Center, 59 Tchernichovsky St., Kfar Saba, 4428164, Israel. .,Department of Radiology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Rotem Milner
- Department of Radiology, Meir Medical Center, 59 Tchernichovsky St., Kfar Saba, 4428164, Israel
| | - Myriam Werner
- Department of Radiology, Meir Medical Center, 59 Tchernichovsky St., Kfar Saba, 4428164, Israel.,Department of Radiology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shmuel Arnon
- Department of Neonatology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel.,Department of Pediatrics, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Zvi Steiner
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel.,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Use of machine learning in pediatric surgical clinical prediction tools: A systematic review. J Pediatr Surg 2023; 58:908-916. [PMID: 36804103 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2023.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Clinical prediction tools (CPTs) are decision-making instruments utilizing patient data to predict specific clinical outcomes, risk-stratify patients, or suggest personalized diagnostic or therapeutic options. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence have resulted in a proliferation of CPTs created using machine learning (ML)-yet the clinical applicability of ML-based CPTs and their validation in clinical settings remain unclear. This systematic review aims to compare the validity and clinical efficacy of ML-based to traditional CPTs in pediatric surgery. METHODS Nine databases were searched from 2000 until July 9, 2021 to retrieve articles reporting on CPTs and ML for pediatric surgical conditions. PRISMA standards were followed, and screening was performed by two independent reviewers in Rayyan, with a third reviewer resolving conflicts. Risk of bias was assessed using the PROBAST. RESULTS Out of 8300 studies, 48 met the inclusion criteria. The most represented surgical specialties were pediatric general (14), neurosurgery (13) and cardiac surgery (12). Prognostic (26) CPTs were the most represented type of surgical pediatric CPTs followed by diagnostic (10), interventional (9), and risk stratifying (2). One study included a CPT for diagnostic, interventional and prognostic purposes. 81% of studies compared their CPT to ML-based CPTs, statistical CPTs, or the unaided clinician, but lacked external validation and/or evidence of clinical implementation. CONCLUSIONS While most studies claim significant potential improvements by incorporating ML-based CPTs in pediatric surgical decision-making, both external validation and clinical application remains limited. Further studies must focus on validating existing instruments or developing validated tools, and incorporating them in the clinical workflow. TYPE OF STUDY Systematic Review LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.
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Blohs M, Mahnert A, Brunnader K, Flucher C, Castellani C, Till H, Singer G, Moissl-Eichinger C. Acute appendicitis manifests as two microbiome state types with oral pathogens influencing severity. Gut Microbes 2023; 15:2145845. [PMID: 36691230 PMCID: PMC9879201 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2022.2145845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Mounting evidence suggests that acute appendicitis (AA) is not one but two diseases: complicated appendicitis, which is associated with necrosis leading to perforation or periappendicular abscess, and uncomplicated appendicitis, which does not necessarily result in perforation. Even though AA is the most frequent cause of surgery from abdominal pain, little is known about the origins and etiopathogenesis of this disease, much less regarding the different disease types. In this study, we investigated the microbiome (inter-domain amplicon and metagenome sequencing) of samples from the appendix, rectum and peritoneum of 60 children and adolescents with AA to assess the composition and potential function of bacteria, archaea and fungi. The analysis of the appendix microbial community revealed a shift depending on the severity of the AA. This shift was reflected by two major community state types that represented the complicated and uncomplicated cases. We could demonstrate that complicated, but not uncomplicated, appendicitis is associated with a significant local expansion of oral, bacterial pathogens in the appendix, most strongly influenced by necrotizing Fusobacterium spp., Porphyromonas and Parvimonas. Uncomplicated appendicitis, however, was characterized by gut-associated microbiomes. Our findings support the hypothesis that two disease types exist in AA, which cannot be distinguished beyond doubt using standard clinical characterization methods or by analysis of the patient's rectal microbiome. An advanced microbiome diagnosis, however, could improve non-surgical treatment of uncomplicated AA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Blohs
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Environmental Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz8010, Austria
| | - Alexander Mahnert
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Environmental Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz8010, Austria
| | - Kevin Brunnader
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Surgery, Medical University of Graz, Graz8036, Austria
| | - Christina Flucher
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Surgery, Medical University of Graz, Graz8036, Austria
| | - Christoph Castellani
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Surgery, Medical University of Graz, Graz8036, Austria
| | - Holger Till
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Surgery, Medical University of Graz, Graz8036, Austria
| | - Georg Singer
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Surgery, Medical University of Graz, Graz8036, Austria
| | - Christine Moissl-Eichinger
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Environmental Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz8010, Austria
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Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Frequency of Complicated Appendicitis in Pediatric Populations. ARCHIVES OF PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2023. [DOI: 10.5812/pedinfect-129026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Background: The clinical course of acute appendicitis, one of the most common diseases needing surgical intervention in children, was affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The global fear and panic about the outbreak and governmental decisions on lockdowns and restrictions led to an increasing number of complicated forms of appendicitis. Objectives: This study aimed to compare different aspects of appendicitis and its complications between the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. Methods: In a retrospective cross-sectional analytical study, we enrolled all patients with a diagnosis of acute appendicitis for two consecutive years. Only children under 14 years of age were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups based on the time of disease presentation, the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. Demographic features, as well as clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings, were compared between the two groups. Results: Out of 369 patients included in the study, 173 were placed in the pre-pandemic group. There was no significant change in the incidence of appendicitis between the two periods (P = 0.232). However, the incidence of complicated appendicitis increased remarkably during the pandemic (27% vs. 11%, P < 0.001). No substantial differences were found in parameters like age, sex, laboratory findings, and the length of hospital stay between the two groups (P > 0.005). The patients who tested positive for COVID-19 had a significantly higher hospitalization duration (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Our results suggested that the rate of complicated appendicitis was substantially higher during the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic time. Also, the proportion of midline laparotomy was significantly higher after the outbreak. These findings suggested that delays in care provision during the COVID-19 outbreak could have probably contributed to the rise in the incidence of complicated appendicitis in children.
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Fawkner-Corbett D, Hayward G, Alkhmees M, Van Den Bruel A, Ordóñez-Mena JM, Holtman GA. Diagnostic accuracy of blood tests of inflammation in paediatric appendicitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e056854. [PMID: 36328382 PMCID: PMC9639107 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Possible childhood appendicitis is a common emergency presentation. The exact value of blood tests is debated. This study sought to determine the diagnostic accuracy of four blood tests (white cell count (WCC), neutrophil(count or percentage), C reactive protein (CRP) and/or procalcitonin) for childhood appendicitis. DESIGN A systematic review and diagnostic meta-analysis. Data sources included MEDLINE, EMBASE, Central, Web of Science searched from inception-March 2022 with reference searching and authors contacted for missing/unclear data. Eligibility criteria was studies reporting the diagnostic accuracy of the four blood tests compared to the reference standard (histology or follow-up). Risk of bias was assessed (QUADAS-2), pooled sensitivity and specificity were generated for each test and commonly presented cut-offs. To provide insight into clinical impact, we present strategies using a hypothetical cohort. RESULTS 67 studies were included (34 839 children, 13 342 with appendicitis), all in the hospital setting. The most sensitive tests were WCC (≥10 000 cells/µL, 53 studies sensitivity 0.85 (95% CI 0.80 to 0.89)) and absolute neutrophil count (ANC) (≥7500 cells/µL, five studies sensitivity 0.90 (95% CI 0.85 to 0.94)). Combination of WCC or CRP increased sensitivity further(≥10 000 cells/µL or ≥10 mg/L, individual patient data (IPD) of 6 studies, 0.97 (95% CI 0.93 to 0.99)).Applying results to a hypothetical cohort(1000 children with appendicitis symptoms, of whom 400 have appendicitis) 60 and 40 children would be wrongly discharged based solely on WCC and ANC, respectively, 12 with combination of WCC or CRP.The most specific tests were CRP alone (≥50 mg/L, 38 studies, specificity 0.87 (95% CI 0.80 to 0.91)) or combined with WCC (≥10 000 cells/µL and ≥50 mg/L, IPD of six studies, 0.93 (95% CI 0.91 to 0.95)). CONCLUSIONS The best performing single blood tests for ruling-out paediatric appendicitis are WCC or ANC; with accuracy improved combining WCC and CRP. These tests could be used at the point of care in combination with clinical prediction rules. We provide insight into the best cut-offs for clinical application. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42017080036.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Fawkner-Corbett
- NIHR Community Healthcare MedTech and IVD Co-operative, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK
- Academic Paediatric Surgery Unit, Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Gail Hayward
- NIHR Community Healthcare MedTech and IVD Co-operative, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK
| | - Mohammed Alkhmees
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ann Van Den Bruel
- EPI-Centre, Academic Centre for Primary Care, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jose M Ordóñez-Mena
- NIHR Community Healthcare MedTech and IVD Co-operative, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK
- NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Gea A Holtman
- NIHR Community Healthcare MedTech and IVD Co-operative, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Bostancı SA, Şenel E. The importance of physician speciality on the diagnosis of acute appendicitis and its effect on morbidity in children. J Paediatr Child Health 2022; 58:2003-2007. [PMID: 35894548 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.16138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
AIM Most acute appendicitis (AA) patients present first to physicians who are not paediatric surgeons. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is a relationship between the speciality of the first physician and delays in diagnosis and morbidity in AA. METHODS The study was planned prospectively. Patients who were operated on between 15 June 2017 and 2018 due to abdominal pain were included. Demographic data of the patients, speciality of the doctors who examined them and postoperative complications were recorded. The patients were divided into three groups: those who were diagnosed at the first examination, those who were diagnosed at the second examination and those who were diagnosed after three or more examinations. RESULTS A total of 414 patients were included in the study. There were 255 (61.6%) patients in group 1, 135 (32.6%) patients in group 2 and 24 (5.8%) patients in group 3. The mean age of the patients in group 3 was lower (P < 0.05). Postoperative complications and hospital stay were higher in group 3 (P < 0.05). While 91.8% of the patients in group 1 were examined by a paediatrician, this rate was significantly lower in the other groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS If children presenting with abdominal pain are evaluated primarily by paediatricians, consultation with paediatric surgeons is faster. The awareness of doctors of other specialities should be increased through regular periodic training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Süleyman A Bostancı
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Ankara City Hospital, Children's Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Çankaya/Ankara, Turkey
| | - Emrah Şenel
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Ankara City Hospital, Children's Hospital, Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Çankaya/Ankara, Turkey
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Pediatric Appendicitis Score for Identifying Acute Appendicitis in Children Presenting With Acute Abdominal Pain to the Emergency Department. Indian Pediatr 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s13312-022-2620-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Di Mitri M, Parente G, Bonfiglioli G, Thomas E, Bisanti C, Cordola C, Vastano M, Cravano S, Collautti E, Di Carmine A, D’Antonio S, Gargano T, Libri M, Lima M. IL-6 Serum Levels Can Enhance the Diagnostic Power of Standard Blood Tests for Acute Appendicitis. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9101425. [PMID: 36291361 PMCID: PMC9600576 DOI: 10.3390/children9101425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background: The diagnosis of acute appendicitis (AA) remains challenging, especially in pediatrics, because early symptoms are not specific, and the younger the patient the more difficult their interpretation is. There is a large degree of agreement between pediatric surgeons on the importance of an early diagnosis to avoid complicated acute appendicitis (CAA) and its consequences. The aim of this study is to assess if Interleukin 6 (IL-6) could enhance the sensitivity (Sn) and specificity (Sp) of the currently available and routinely performed diagnostic tools in case of suspected AA in pediatric patients. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted including patients who underwent appendectomy between November 2020 and March 2022. We divided patients into three groups: not inflamed appendix (group NA), not complicated AA (group NCAA), and complicated AA (group CAA). We compared the mean values of white blood cells (WBC), neutrophils, fibrinogen, ferritin, aPTT, INR, C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-6, and CRP between the three groups. Then we evaluated Sn, Sp, and odds ratio (OR) of IL-6 and CRP alone and combined. Results: We enrolled 107 patients operated on for AA (22 in Group NA, 63 in Group NCAA, and 21 in group CAA). CRP levels resulted in a significant increase when comparing CAA with NA (p = 0.01) and CAA with NCAA (p = 0.01), whereas no significance was found between NA and NCAA (p = 0.38). A statistically significant increase in average IL-6 levels was found when comparing NCAA with NA (p = 0.04), CAA with NA (p = 0.04), and CAA with NCAA (p = 0.02). Considering CRP alone, its Sn, Sp, and OR in distinguishing NA from AA (both NCAA and CAA together) are 86%, 35%, and 33,17, respectively. Similarly, Sn, Sp, and OR of IL-6 alone are 82%, 54%, and 56, respectively. Combining CRP and IL-6 serum levels together, the Sn increases drastically to 100% with an Sp of 40% and OR of 77. Conclusions: Our study may suggest an important role of IL-6 in the detection of AA in its early stage, especially when coupled with CRP.
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Horst KK, Carr BM, Parvinian A, McDonald JS. Impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the presentation of paediatric acute appendicitis: an observational study. Clin Radiol 2022; 77:943-951. [PMID: 36184302 PMCID: PMC9458697 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2022.08.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Aim To determine whether there were differences in the clinical presentation of patients imaged to evaluate for acute appendicitis in 2020 compared to 2019 with the hope that this information might better identify patients who should undergo imaging work-up and those who should not. Materials and methods This retrospective observational study included patients <18 years who were evaluated for appendicitis between 1 March and 31 May 2019 and 2020. A total of 465 patients were stratified by final diagnosis (appendicitis versus not appendicitis) and compared based on presenting symptoms, physical examination findings, vital signs, and laboratory test results. Results Symptoms and physical examination findings that were significant in the positive cohort in both years included right lower quadrant pain, pain with movement, migration of pain, right lower quadrant tenderness, and peritoneal findings. Reporting upper respiratory symptoms was an independent predictor of negative results among all patients and in 2019. Both negative cohorts were more likely to have negative physical examinations. Anorexia and nausea/vomiting were more likely among positive cases in 2019 whereas diarrhoea was more likely among positive cases in 2020. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic did not significantly change the presenting features of acute appendicitis. The results of the present study emphasise the importance of the physical examination. The ambiguity of symptoms that mimic gastroenteritis justifies imaging in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- K K Horst
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
| | - B M Carr
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - A Parvinian
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - J S McDonald
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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Common Conditions II. Surg Clin North Am 2022; 102:797-808. [PMID: 36209746 DOI: 10.1016/j.suc.2022.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Al-Tarakji M, Zarour A, Singh R, Ghali MS. The Role of Alvarado Score in Predicting Acute Appendicitis and Its Severity in Correlation to Histopathology: A Retrospective Study in a Qatar Population. Cureus 2022; 14:e26902. [PMID: 35983388 PMCID: PMC9376215 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.26902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/objective Acute appendicitis (AA) is one of the most common surgical emergencies that require a proper diagnosis to avoid a negative outcome in the case of missed or delayed diagnosis. Our study aims to assess the diagnostic power of the Alvarado score and the prediction of the severity of acute appendicitis in correlation to intraoperative findings and the final histopathology (HP) result. Methods This retrospective study was applied to 1,303 patients with clinically proven acute appendicitis (AA) and available HP results. We correlated Alvarado score to the gold standard HP and intraoperative findings. We selected the cutoff point of Alvarado at 5 and 7 as they were the most frequent cutoff value mentioned in the literature and based on the ROC curve in this study to assess sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). Results The mean age of the study cohort is 33.3 ± 9.5 years, with a male predominance (75.8%). The negative appendectomy (NA) rate was 4%. The operative complication rate was 1.2%, and we recorded one mortality case (0.1%). The diagnostic evidence of AA was in 95.9% of cases. Alvarado score ≥ 7 presented sensitivity and specificity of 66.4% and 69.8%, respectively, with PPV of 98.1% and NPV of 8.1%, with an accuracy of 66.5%. For Alvarado score ≥ 5, the sensitivity was 91.2%, specificity was 22.6%, PPV was 96.5%, NPV was 9.8%, and accuracy was 88.4%. In addition, we demonstrated statistical significance between Alvarado risk stratification with HP and intraoperative grades (p = 0.001 each). Conclusion The Alvarado scoring system alone is not enough to diagnose AA with unsatisfactory sensitivity and specificity. However, it is a good indicator of the severity of AA that we can depend on to prioritize those patients waiting for surgery.
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KORKMAZ İ, SEYFETTİN A, ÇELİKKAYA M. Pediatrik Apandisit Olgularında Ultrasonografinin Tanısal Duyarlılığı. MUSTAFA KEMAL ÜNIVERSITESI TIP DERGISI 2022. [DOI: 10.17944/mkutfd.1057560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Amaç: Çalışmamızda pediatrik yaş grubunda ultrasonografinin apandisit tanısındaki duyarlılığının araştırılması amaçlanmıştır.
Gereç Yöntem: Operasyon sonucu apandisit tanısı alan, preoperatif USG tetkiki gerçekleştirilmiş olan ve akut batın nedeni olan ek patolojisi bulunmayan 87 pediatrik olgu çalışmaya dahil edildi. Olguların USG raporları retrospektif olarak incelenerek USG’ nin apandisit tanısındaki duyarlılığı araştırıldı. Ayrıca olguların lökosit sayıları, nötrofil oranları ve CRP değerleri hastane arşivinden ve varsa BT tetkikleri PACS sisteminden incelendi.
Bulgular: Olguların %71’i akut apandisit, %29’u perfore apandisitti. Olguların %74’ünün USG’si apandisit ile uyumlu olup USG’nin tanı duyarlılığı %74’dü, %16 olguda USG’de sekonder apandisit bulguları izlenirken %10 olguda USG tetkiki tamamen normaldi. USG ile tanı konulamayan %26 olgudan %10 olgunun tanısı BT ile konulmuş olup %16 olguda tanıya klinik bulgularla gidilmişti. Olguların %62’sinde lökositoz, %84’ünde nötrofil oranında artış (sola kayma), %86’sında ise CRP yüksekliği bulunmaktaydı ve olguların tamamında bu parametrelerin en az biri yüksekti.
Sonuç: Ultrasonografi her durumda tanı koymak için yeterli olmasa da çalışmamızda ulaşılan yüksek duyarlılık oranı, ultrasonografinin akut apandisit şüphesi bulunan pediatrik hastalarda ilk seçenek tanı aracı olarak kullanılabileceği bilgisini desteklemektedir.
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Affiliation(s)
- İnan KORKMAZ
- HATAY MUSTAFA KEMAL ÜNİVERSİTESİ, TAYFUR ATA SÖKMEN TIP FAKÜLTESİ, DAHİLİ TIP BİLİMLERİ BÖLÜMÜ, RADYOLOJİ ANABİLİM DALI
| | | | - Mehmet ÇELİKKAYA
- HATAY MUSTAFA KEMAL ÜNİVERSİTESİ, TAYFUR ATA SÖKMEN TIP FAKÜLTESİ, CERRAHİ TIP BİLİMLERİ BÖLÜMÜ, ÇOCUK CERRAHİSİ ANABİLİM DALI
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