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Rey R, Gualtieri R, La Scala G, Posfay Barbe K. Artificial Intelligence in the Diagnosis and Management of Appendicitis in Pediatric Departments: A Systematic Review. Eur J Pediatr Surg 2024; 34:385-391. [PMID: 38290564 DOI: 10.1055/a-2257-5122] [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: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Artificial intelligence (AI) is a growing field in medical research that could potentially help in the challenging diagnosis of acute appendicitis (AA) in children. However, usefulness of AI in clinical settings remains unclear. Our aim was to assess the accuracy of AIs in the diagnosis of AA in the pediatric population through a systematic literature review. METHODS PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched using the following keywords: "pediatric," "artificial intelligence," "standard practices," and "appendicitis," up to September 2023. The risk of bias was assessed using PROBAST. RESULTS A total of 302 articles were identified and nine articles were included in the final review. Two studies had prospective validation, seven were retrospective, and no randomized control trials were found. All studies developed their own algorithms and had an accuracy greater than 90% or area under the curve >0.9. All studies were rated as a "high risk" concerning their overall risk of bias. CONCLUSION We analyzed the current status of AI in the diagnosis of appendicitis in children. The application of AI shows promising potential, but the need for more rigor in study design, reporting, and transparency is urgent to facilitate its clinical implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Rey
- Department of Human Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Genève, Switzerland
| | - Renato Gualtieri
- Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Geneva, Genève, Switzerland
| | - Giorgio La Scala
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Hôpital des enfants, Geneva University Hospitals, Genève, Switzerland
| | - Klara Posfay Barbe
- Division of General Pediatrics, Hôpital des enfants, Geneva University Hospitals, Genève, Switzerland
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Ghareeb WM, Draz E, Chen X, Zhang J, Tu P, Madbouly K, Moratal M, Ghanem A, Amer M, Hassan A, Hussein AH, Gabr H, Faisal M, Khaled I, El Zaher HA, Emile MH, Espin-Basany E, Pellino G, Emile SH. Multicenter validation of an artificial intelligence (AI)-based platform for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Surgery 2024; 176:569-576. [PMID: 38910047 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2024.05.007] [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: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current scores used to help diagnose acute appendicitis have a "gray" zone in which the diagnosis is usually inconclusive. Furthermore, the universal use of CT scanning is limited because of the radiation hazards and/or limited resources. Hence, it is imperative to have an accurate diagnostic tool to avoid unnecessary, negative appendectomies. METHODS This was an international, multicenter, retrospective cohort study. The diagnostic accuracy of the artificial intelligence platform was assessed by sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, the area under the receiver curve, precision curve, F1 score, and Matthews correlation coefficient. Moreover, calibration curve, decision curve analysis, and clinical impact curve analysis were used to assess the clinical utility of the artificial intelligence platform. The accuracy of the artificial intelligence platform was also compared to that of CT scanning. RESULTS Two data sets were used to assess the artificial intelligence platform: a multicenter real data set (n = 2,579) and a well-qualified synthetic data set (n = 9736). The platform showed a sensitivity of 92.2%, specificity of 97.2%, and negative predictive value of 98.7%. The artificial intelligence had good area under the receiver curve, precision, F1 score, and Matthews correlation coefficient (0.97, 86.7, 0.89, 0.88, respectively). Compared to CT scanning, the artificial intelligence platform had a better area under the receiver curve (0.92 vs 0.76), specificity (90.9 vs 53.3), precision (99.8 vs 98.9), and Matthews correlation coefficient (0.77 vs 0.72), comparable sensitivity (99.2 vs 100), and lower negative predictive value (67.6 vs 99.5). Decision curve analysis and clinical impact curve analysis intuitively revealed that the platform had a substantial net benefit within a realistic probability range from 6% to 96%. CONCLUSION The current artificial intelligence platform had excellent sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy exceeding 90% and may help clinicians in decision making on patients with suspected acute appendicitis, particularly when access to CT scanning is limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waleed M Ghareeb
- Gastrointestinal Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University Hospital, Ismailia, Egypt; Laboratory of Applied Artificial Intelligence in Medical Disciplines, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University Hospital, Ismailia, Egypt.
| | - Eman Draz
- Laboratory of Applied Artificial Intelligence in Medical Disciplines, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University Hospital, Ismailia, Egypt; Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University. Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Xianqiang Chen
- Department of General Surgery (Emergency Surgery), Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Junrong Zhang
- Department of General Surgery (Emergency Surgery), Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Pengsheng Tu
- Department of General Surgery (Emergency Surgery), Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Khaled Madbouly
- Colorectal Surgery Unit, Alexandria University, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria, Egypt. https://twitter.com/WaleedMGhareeb1
| | - Miriam Moratal
- Colorectal Surgery, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona UAB, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ahmed Ghanem
- Gastrointestinal Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University Hospital, Ismailia, Egypt; Laboratory of Applied Artificial Intelligence in Medical Disciplines, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University Hospital, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Amer
- Gastrointestinal Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University Hospital, Ismailia, Egypt; Laboratory of Applied Artificial Intelligence in Medical Disciplines, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University Hospital, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Hassan
- Gastrointestinal Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University Hospital, Ismailia, Egypt; Laboratory of Applied Artificial Intelligence in Medical Disciplines, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University Hospital, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Ahmed H Hussein
- Gastrointestinal Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University Hospital, Ismailia, Egypt; Laboratory of Applied Artificial Intelligence in Medical Disciplines, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University Hospital, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Haitham Gabr
- Gastrointestinal Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University Hospital, Ismailia, Egypt; Laboratory of Applied Artificial Intelligence in Medical Disciplines, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University Hospital, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Mohammed Faisal
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University Hospital, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Islam Khaled
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University Hospital, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Haidi Abd El Zaher
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University Hospital, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Mona Hany Emile
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Eloy Espin-Basany
- Colorectal Surgery, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona UAB, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gianluca Pellino
- Colorectal Surgery, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, Universitá degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Naples, Italy. https://twitter.com/GianlucaPellino
| | - Sameh Hany Emile
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL; Colorectal Surgery Unit, General Surgery Department, Mansoura University Hospitals, Mansoura, Egypt. https://twitter.com/dr_samehhany81
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Dogan K, Selcuk T. A Novel Deep Learning Approach for the Automatic Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis. J Clin Med 2024; 13:4949. [PMID: 39201090 PMCID: PMC11355690 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13164949] [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: 08/01/2024] [Revised: 08/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Acute appendicitis (AA) is a major cause of acute abdominal pain requiring surgical intervention. Approximately 20% of AA cases are diagnosed neither early nor accurately, leading to an increased risk of appendiceal perforation and postoperative sequelae. AA can be identified with good accuracy using computed tomography (CT). However, some studies have found that a false-negative AA diagnosis made using CT can cause surgical therapy to be delayed. Deep learning experiments are aimed at minimizing false-negative diagnoses. However, the success rates reported in these studies are far from 100%. In addition, the methods used to divide patients into groups do not adequately reflect situations in which accurate radiological diagnosis is difficult. Therefore, in this study, we propose a novel deep-learning approach for the automatic diagnosis of AA using CT based on establishing a new strategy for classification according to the difficulties encountered in radiological diagnosis. Methods: A total of 266 patients with a pathological diagnosis of AA who underwent appendectomy were divided into two groups based on CT images and radiology reports. A deep learning analysis was performed on the CT images and clinical and laboratory parameters that contributed to the diagnosis of both the patient and age- and sex-adjusted control groups. Results: The deep learning diagnosis success rate was 96% for the group with advanced radiological findings and 83.3% for the group with radiologically suspicious findings that could be considered normal. Conclusions: Using deep learning, successful results can be achieved in cases in which the appendix diameter has not increased significantly and there is no significant edema effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamil Dogan
- Radiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University, Kahramanmaras 46050, Turkey
| | - Turab Selcuk
- Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University, Kahramanmaras 46050, Turkey;
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Arredondo Montero J, Ros Briones R, Fernández-Celis A, López-Andrés N, Martín-Calvo N. Diagnostic Performance of Serum Leucine-Rich Alpha-2-Glycoprotein 1 in Pediatric Acute Appendicitis: A Prospective Validation Study. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1821. [PMID: 39200285 PMCID: PMC11352011 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12081821] [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: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 08/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein 1(LRG-1) is a human protein that has shown potential usefulness as a biomarker for diagnosing pediatric acute appendicitis (PAA). This study aims to validate the diagnostic performance of serum LRG-1 in PAA. Material and Methods: This work is a subgroup analysis from BIDIAP (BIomarkers for DIagnosing Appendicitis in Pediatrics), a prospective single-center observational cohort, to validate serum LRG-1 as a diagnostic tool in PAA. This analysis included 200 patients, divided into three groups: (1) healthy patients undergoing major outpatient surgery (n = 56), (2) patients with non-surgical abdominal pain (n = 52), and (3) patients with a confirmed diagnosis of PAA (n = 92). Patients in group 3 were divided into complicated and uncomplicated PAA. In all patients, a serum sample was obtained during recruitment, and LRG-1 concentration was determined by Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA). Comparative statistical analyses were performed using the Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, and Fisher's exact tests. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) was calculated for all pertinent analyses. Results: Serum LRG-1 values, expressed as median (interquartile range) were 23,145 (18,246-27,453) ng/mL in group 1, 27,655 (21,151-38,795) ng/mL in group 2 and 40,409 (32,631-53,655) ng/mL in group 3 (p < 0.0001). Concerning the type of appendicitis, the serum LRG-1 values obtained were 38,686 (31,804-48,816) ng/mL in the uncomplicated PAA group and 51,857 (34,013-64,202) ng/mL in the complicated PAA group (p = 0.02). The area under the curve (AUC) obtained (group 2 vs. 3) was 0.75 (95% CI 0.67-0.84). For the discrimination between complicated and uncomplicated PAA, the AUC obtained was 0.66 (95% CI 0.52-0.79). Conclusions: This work establishes normative health ranges for serum LRG-1 values in the pediatric population and shows that serum LRG-1 could be a potentially helpful tool for diagnosing PAA in the future. Future prospective multicenter studies, with the parallel evaluation of urinary and salivary LRG-1, are necessary to assess the implementability of this molecule in actual clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raquel Ros Briones
- Pediatric Surgery Department, Hospital Universitario de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Amaya Fernández-Celis
- Cardiovascular Translational Research, NavarraBiomed (Miguel Servet Foundation), Hospital Universitario de Navarra, IdiSNA, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Natalia López-Andrés
- Cardiovascular Translational Research, NavarraBiomed (Miguel Servet Foundation), Hospital Universitario de Navarra, IdiSNA, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Nerea Martín-Calvo
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- CIBER de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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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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Bravo M, Palnizky-Soffer G, Man C, Moineddin R, Singer-Harel D, Zani A, Doria AS, Schuh S. Identification of children with a nondiagnostic ultrasound at a low appendicitis risk using a pediatric Appendicitis Risk Calculator. Acad Emerg Med 2024. [PMID: 39034602 DOI: 10.1111/acem.14990] [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: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Up to 50% of ultrasounds (USs) for suspected pediatric appendicitis are nondiagnostic. While the validated low-risk clinical pediatric Appendicitis Risk Calculator (pARC) score < 15% and the low-risk US with nonvisualized appendix and no periappendiceal inflammation carry relatively low appendicitis risks, the contribution of the combination of both characteristics to this risk has never been assessed. The primary objective was to determine the proportion of children with the low-risk US-low-risk pARC combination with appendicitis. We hypothesized that this proportion would be 2.5% (upper 95% CI ≤ 5%). METHODS A retrospective cohort study of 448 previously healthy children 4-17 years old at a pediatric ED with suspected appendicitis, nondiagnostic US, and persistent clinical concern about appendicitis. Two investigators abstracted demographic, clinical, and imaging data. Based on published criteria, USs were classified as low-risk or high-risk. The pARC includes seven demographic, clinical, and laboratory variables and is quantified according to the published formula. The primary outcome was appendicitis, based on the histological evidence. All nonoperated patients underwent a 1-month-follow-up to exclude delayed appendicitis diagnoses. RESULTS Sixty of the 448 (13.4%) patients had appendicitis; 269 (60%) had low-risk US, 262 (58.4%) had low-risk pARC, and 163 (36.4%) had both characteristics. The appendicitis rates with low-risk pARC alone and low-risk US alone were 14/262 (5.4%) and 21/269 (7.8%), respectively. A total of 2/163 children (1.2%) with low-risk pARC and low-risk US had appendicitis (95% CI 0%-4.4%). Higher-risk US increased the appendicitis odds 5 (95% CI 1.54-20.55) to 11 times (95% CI 2.41-51.10) across pARC levels. The low-risk combination had sensitivity of 96.7% (95% CI 88.5%-99.6%), specificity of 41.5%, positive predictive value of 20.4%, and negative predictive value of 98.8% (95% CI 95.6%-99.9%). CONCLUSIONS The children with low-risk pARC and low-risk US combination are unlikely to have appendicitis and can be discharged home. The presence of higher-risk US-pARC score combinations substantially increases the appendicitis risk and warrants reassessment or interval imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Bravo
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gili Palnizky-Soffer
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Carina Man
- SickKids Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rahim Moineddin
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dana Singer-Harel
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Augusto Zani
- SickKids Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrea S Doria
- SickKids Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Suzanne Schuh
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- SickKids Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Rogers SO, Kirton OC. Acute Abdomen in the Modern Era. N Engl J Med 2024; 391:60-67. [PMID: 38959482 DOI: 10.1056/nejmra2304821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Selwyn O Rogers
- From the Section of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, University of Chicago, Chicago (S.O.R.); and the Department of Surgery, Jefferson Abington Hospital, Jefferson Health, Abington, PA (O.C.K.)
| | - Orlando C Kirton
- From the Section of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, University of Chicago, Chicago (S.O.R.); and the Department of Surgery, Jefferson Abington Hospital, Jefferson Health, Abington, PA (O.C.K.)
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Balbo S, Pini CM, Raffaldi I, Delmonaco AG, Castagno E, Guanà R, Di Rosa G, Bondone C. Accuracy of point-of-care ultrasound in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in a pediatric emergency department. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ULTRASOUND : JCU 2024; 52:485-490. [PMID: 38436504 DOI: 10.1002/jcu.23658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the accuracy of point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) in diagnosing acute appendicitis in children; to evaluate the concordance between PoCUS performed by a pediatric emergency physician (PedEm) and ultrasonography (US) performed by a radiologist; to draw a "learning curve." METHODS We prospectively enrolled children aged 0-14 years old led to the Emergency Department of Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, from January 2021 to June 2021, with suspected acute appendicitis. PoCUS was performed by a single trained PedEm, blindly to the radiologist's scan. A "self-assessment score" and the "time of duration of PoCUS" were recorded for each patient. Final diagnosis of appendicitis was made by a pediatric surgeon. RESULTS We enrolled 62 children (2-14 years). Overall sensitivity of PoCUS was 88%, specificity 90%; PPV 90.6%, and NPV 86.6%. Global concordance between the PedEm and the radiologist was good/excellent (k 0.74). The mean duration of PoCUS significantly decreased during the study period, while the self-assessment score increased. CONCLUSION This is a preliminary study that shows the effectiveness of PoCUS in diagnosing acute appendicitis; furthermore, it shows how the PedEm's performance may improve over time. The learning curve showed how the experience of the PedEm affects the accuracy of PoCUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Balbo
- Emergency Department, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Cecilia Maria Pini
- Emergency Department, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Irene Raffaldi
- Emergency Department, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Emanuele Castagno
- Emergency Department, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Riccardo Guanà
- Pediatric Surgery Department, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Gianpaolo Di Rosa
- Radiology Department, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Claudia Bondone
- Emergency Department, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Turin, Italy
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Sogbodjor LA, Razavi C, Williams K, Selman A, Pereira SMP, Davenport M, Moonesinghe SR. Risk factors for complications after emergency surgery for paediatric appendicitis: a national prospective observational cohort study. Anaesthesia 2024; 79:524-534. [PMID: 38387160 DOI: 10.1111/anae.16184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Appendicectomy is a common procedure in children with a low risk of mortality, however, complication rates and risk factors are largely unknown. This study aimed to characterise the incidence and epidemiology of postoperative complications in children undergoing appendicectomy in the UK. This multicentre prospective observational cohort study, which included children aged 1-16 y who underwent surgery for suspected appendicitis, was conducted between November 2019 and January 2022. The primary outcome was 30-day postoperative morbidity. Data collected included: patient characteristics; comorbidities; and physiological status. Multivariable regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for poor outcomes. Data from 2799 children recruited from 80 hospitals were analysed, of which 185 (7%) developed postoperative complications. Children from black and 'other' minority ethnic groups were at significantly higher risk of poor outcomes: OR (95%CI) 4.13 (1.87-9.08), p < 0.001 and 2.08 (1.12-3.87), p = 0.021, respectively. This finding was independent of socio-economic status and type of appendicitis found on histology. Other risk factors for complications included: ASA physical status ≥ 3 (OR (95%CI) 4.05 (1.70-9.67), p = 0.002); raised C-reactive protein (OR 95%CI 1.01 (1.00-1.01), p < 0.001); pyrexia (OR (95%CI) 1.77(1.20-2.63), p = 0.004); and peri-operative oxygen supplementation (OR (95%CI) 4.20 (1.44-12.24), p = 0.009). In the UK NHS, which is a universally accessible healthcare system, ethnicity, but not socio-economic status, was associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications in children having surgery for acute appendicitis. Further evaluations and interventions are required to address this health inequality in keeping with NHS and international priorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- L A Sogbodjor
- Department of Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine, Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Centre for Research and Improvement, Royal College of Anaesthetists, London, UK
| | - C Razavi
- Centre for Research and Improvement, Royal College of Anaesthetists, London, UK
- Department of Anaesthesia, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - K Williams
- Centre for Research and Improvement, Royal College of Anaesthetists, London, UK
| | - A Selman
- Department of Anaesthesia, Evelina Children's Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - S M Pinto Pereira
- Centre for Peri-operative Medicine, Research Department for Targeted Intervention, UCL Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, London, UK
| | - M Davenport
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, King's College London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - S R Moonesinghe
- Centre for Peri-operative Medicine, Research Department for Targeted Intervention, UCL Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, London, UK
- Central London National Institute for Health Research Patient Safety Research Collaboration, London, UK
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10
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Dreznik Y, Paran M, Sher C, Konen O, Baazov A, Nica A, Kravarusic D. Negative appendectomy rate in the pediatric population: can we reach near-zero rates? An observational study. ANZ J Surg 2024; 94:204-207. [PMID: 38082452 DOI: 10.1111/ans.18825] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Correct diagnosis of acute appendicitis may sometimes be challenging. The Negative appendectomy rate (NAR) has declined in the recent years in Europe and USA, in part due to better diagnostic imaging tools. The aim of this study was to examine the rates of negative appendectomy in our institution, investigate trends in its incidence, and identify possible predicting factors. METHODS A retrospective cohort study, including all patients younger than 18 years of age who underwent an appendectomy between 2007 and 2021 in a single tertiary medical center. Data regarding patient's demographics, laboratory and imaging results, pathological results and clinical outcome were collected. RESULTS Between 2007 and 2021, a total of 3937 pediatric patients underwent appendectomy due to a working diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Overall, 143 patients (3.6%) had normal appendix on pathological examination. However, in the last 5 years, the rate of normal appendix was 1.9%, together with an increased rate of pre-operative imaging (from 40% to nearly 100%). CONCLUSION Low NAR under 2% is an achievable benchmark in the era of accessible pre-operative imaging. In unequivocal cases, a secondary survey that includes repeated physical examination, blood work and imaging is recommended and may result in near-zero rates of NAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yael Dreznik
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Surgery, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah-Tiqwa, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Maya Paran
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Surgery, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah-Tiqwa, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Carmel Sher
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Surgery, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah-Tiqwa, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Osnat Konen
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- The Institute of Imaging, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah-Tiqwa, Israel
| | - Artur Baazov
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Surgery, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah-Tiqwa, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Adrianna Nica
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Surgery, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah-Tiqwa, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Dragan Kravarusic
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Surgery, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah-Tiqwa, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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11
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Coccolini F, Licitra G, De'Angelis N, Martinez Perez A, Cremonini C, Musetti S, Strambi S, Zampieri F, Cengeli I, Tartaglia D, Chiarugi M. Complication analysis in acute appendicitis, results from an international multicenter study. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg 2024; 50:305-314. [PMID: 37851023 DOI: 10.1007/s00068-023-02361-2] [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: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Acute appendicitis (AA) is frequent, its diagnosis is challenging, and the surgical intervention is not risk free. An accurate diagnosis will reduce unnecessary surgeries and associated risks. This study aimed to analyze the rate of appendectomies' postoperative complications. METHODS Multicenter, prospective, observational study conducted at three large hospitals (Pisa University Hospital, Italy; Henri Mondor University Hospital, Paris, France; and Valencia University Hospital, Spain). RESULTS A total of 3070 patients with a median age of 28 years (IQR 20-43) were enrolled. 1403 (45.7%) were females. Eight hundred ninety patients (29%) did not undergo preoperative imaging. Ultrasound and CT scans were performed in 1465 (47.7%) and 715 (23.3%) patients. Patients requiring CT scan were older [median 38 (IQR 26-53) vs. no imaging median 24 (IQR 16-35), Ultrasound median 28 (IQR 20-41); p < 0.0001]. Laparoscopic appendectomy was performed in 58.6%. Complications developed in 1279 (41.7%) patients: Clavien-Dindo grades I-II in 1126 (33.9%); Clavien-Dindo grades III-IV in 146 (5.2%). Overall mortality was 0.2%. Following resection of a normal appendix, 15% experienced major complications (Clavien-Dindo grades IIIb and above). Multivariable analysis revealed that age, Charlson comorbidity index, histopathology, and Alvarado score over 7 were associated with a higher risk of Clavien-Dindo complication grades IIIa and higher. CONCLUSION Appendectomy may be associated with serious postoperative complications. Complications were associated with older age, Charlson comorbidity index, histopathology, and high Alvarado scores. The definition of accurate diagnostic and therapeutic pathways may improve results. The association between clinical scores and radiology is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Coccolini
- General, Emergency and Trauma Surgery Department, Pisa University Hospital, Via Paradisa, 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy.
| | | | - Nicola De'Angelis
- General Surgery Department, Henry Mondor University Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Aleix Martinez Perez
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Valencian International University (VIU), Valencia, Spain
- Department of General and Digestive Surgery, Hospital Universitario Doctor Peset, Valencia, Spain
| | - Camilla Cremonini
- General, Emergency and Trauma Surgery Department, Pisa University Hospital, Via Paradisa, 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Serena Musetti
- General, Emergency and Trauma Surgery Department, Pisa University Hospital, Via Paradisa, 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Silvia Strambi
- General, Emergency and Trauma Surgery Department, Pisa University Hospital, Via Paradisa, 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabio Zampieri
- General, Emergency and Trauma Surgery Department, Pisa University Hospital, Via Paradisa, 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ismail Cengeli
- General, Emergency and Trauma Surgery Department, Pisa University Hospital, Via Paradisa, 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Dario Tartaglia
- General, Emergency and Trauma Surgery Department, Pisa University Hospital, Via Paradisa, 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Massimo Chiarugi
- General, Emergency and Trauma Surgery Department, Pisa University Hospital, Via Paradisa, 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
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12
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Wessel LM. Appendectomy in Children and Adolescents. DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 121:37-38. [PMID: 38427940 PMCID: PMC10979440 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.m2023.0268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Lucas M. Wessel
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
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13
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Kameda T, Ishii H, Oya S, Katabami K, Kodama T, Sera M, Takei H, Taniguchi H, Nakao S, Funakoshi H, Yamaga S, Senoo S, Kimura A. Guidance for clinical practice using emergency and point-of-care ultrasonography. Acute Med Surg 2024; 11:e974. [PMID: 38933992 PMCID: PMC11201855 DOI: 10.1002/ams2.974] [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: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Owing to the miniaturization of diagnostic ultrasound scanners and their spread of their bedside use, ultrasonography has been actively utilized in emergency situations. Ultrasonography performed by medical personnel with focused approaches at the bedside for clinical decision-making and improving the quality of invasive procedures is now called point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS). The concept of POCUS has spread worldwide; however, in Japan, formal clinical guidance concerning POCUS is lacking, except for the application of focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) and ultrasound-guided central venous cannulation. The Committee for the Promotion of POCUS in the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine (JAAM) has often discussed improving the quality of acute care using POCUS, and the "Clinical Guidance for Emergency and Point-of-Care Ultrasonography" was finally established with the endorsement of JAAM. The background, targets for acute care physicians, rationale based on published articles, and integrated application were mentioned in this guidance. The core points include the fundamental principles of ultrasound, airway, chest, cardiac, abdominal, and deep venous ultrasound, ultrasound-guided procedures, and the usage of ultrasound based on symptoms. Additional points, which are currently being considered as potential core points in the future, have also been widely mentioned. This guidance describes the overview and future direction of ultrasonography for acute care physicians and can be utilized for emergency ultrasound education. We hope this guidance will contribute to the effective use of ultrasonography in acute care settings in Japan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toru Kameda
- Committee for the Promotion of Point‐of‐Care UltrasonographyJapanese Association for Acute MedicineJapan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory MedicineJichi Medical UniversityShimotsukeJapan
| | - Hiromoto Ishii
- Committee for the Promotion of Point‐of‐Care UltrasonographyJapanese Association for Acute MedicineJapan
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care MedicineNippon Medical SchoolTokyoJapan
| | - Seiro Oya
- Committee for the Promotion of Point‐of‐Care UltrasonographyJapanese Association for Acute MedicineJapan
- Department of Emergency MedicineShizuoka Medical CenterShizuokaJapan
| | - Kenichi Katabami
- Committee for the Promotion of Point‐of‐Care UltrasonographyJapanese Association for Acute MedicineJapan
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care CenterHokkaido University HospitalSapporoJapan
| | - Takamitsu Kodama
- Committee for the Promotion of Point‐of‐Care UltrasonographyJapanese Association for Acute MedicineJapan
- Department of Emergency and General Internal MedicineTajimi City HospitalTajimiJapan
| | - Makoto Sera
- Committee for the Promotion of Point‐of‐Care UltrasonographyJapanese Association for Acute MedicineJapan
- Department of Emergency MedicineFukui Prefectural HospitalFukuiJapan
| | - Hirokazu Takei
- Committee for the Promotion of Point‐of‐Care UltrasonographyJapanese Association for Acute MedicineJapan
- Department of Emergency MedicineHyogo Prefectural Kobe Children's HospitalKobeJapan
| | - Hayato Taniguchi
- Committee for the Promotion of Point‐of‐Care UltrasonographyJapanese Association for Acute MedicineJapan
- Advanced Critical Care and Emergency CenterYokohama City University Medical CenterYokohamaJapan
| | - Shunichiro Nakao
- Committee for the Promotion of Point‐of‐Care UltrasonographyJapanese Association for Acute MedicineJapan
- Department of Traumatology and Acute Critical MedicineOsaka University Graduate School of MedicineOsakaJapan
| | - Hiraku Funakoshi
- Committee for the Promotion of Point‐of‐Care UltrasonographyJapanese Association for Acute MedicineJapan
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care MedicineTokyo Bay Urayasu Ichikawa Medical CenterUrayasuJapan
| | - Satoshi Yamaga
- Committee for the Promotion of Point‐of‐Care UltrasonographyJapanese Association for Acute MedicineJapan
- Department of Radiation Disaster Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and MedicineHiroshima UniversityHiroshimaJapan
| | - Satomi Senoo
- Committee for the Promotion of Point‐of‐Care UltrasonographyJapanese Association for Acute MedicineJapan
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care MedicineSaiseikai Yokohamashi Tobu HospitalYokohamaJapan
| | - Akio Kimura
- Committee for the Promotion of Point‐of‐Care UltrasonographyJapanese Association for Acute MedicineJapan
- Department of Emergency and Critical CareCenter Hospital of the National Center for Global Health and MedicineTokyoJapan
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14
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Morin CE, Karakas P, Vorona G, Sreedher G, Brian JM, Chavhan GB, Chung T, Griffin LM, Kaplan SL, Moore M, Schenker K, Subramanian S, Aquino M. The Society for Pediatric Radiology Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Emergency and Trauma Imaging Committees' consensus protocol recommendation for rapid MRI for evaluating suspected appendicitis in children. Pediatr Radiol 2024; 54:12-19. [PMID: 38049531 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-023-05819-y] [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: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
The imaging evaluation of acute abdominal pain in children with suspected appendicitis has evolved to include rapid abdominopelvic MRI (rMRI) over recent years. Through a collaborative effort between the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Emergency and Trauma Imaging Committees of the Society for Pediatric Radiology (SPR), we conducted a survey on the utilization of rMRI to assess practice specifics and protocols. Subsequently, we present a proposed consensus rMRI protocol derived from the survey results, literature review, and discussion and consensus between committee members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara E Morin
- Department of Radiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital and University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3333 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
| | | | - Gregory Vorona
- Department of Radiology, The Children's Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA
| | | | - James M Brian
- Department of Radiology, Penn State Children's Hospital, Penn State Health, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, USA
| | - Govind B Chavhan
- Diagnostic Imaging Department, The Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Taylor Chung
- UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, Oakland, USA
| | | | - Summer L Kaplan
- Department of Radiology Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Michael Moore
- Department of Radiology, Nemours Children's Health, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Kathleen Schenker
- Department of Radiology, Nemours Children's Hospital, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | | | - Michael Aquino
- Section of Pediatric Imaging, Cleveland Clinic Imaging Institute and Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western University, Cleveland, USA
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15
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Bolia R. Diagnosing Appendicitis on the Basis of Clinical Prediction Rules: Are We There Yet? Indian J Pediatr 2023; 90:1173-1174. [PMID: 37477860 DOI: 10.1007/s12098-023-04771-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rishi Bolia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Liver Transplant, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Level 7d, Surgical Directorate, Queensland Children's Hospital, South Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia.
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16
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Hayden EM, Borczuk P, Dutta S, Liu SW, White BA, Lavin-Parsons K, Zheng H, Filbin MR, Zachrison KS. Can video-based telehealth examinations of the abdomen safely determine the need for imaging? J Telemed Telecare 2023; 29:761-774. [PMID: 34142893 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x211023346] [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] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
There is little evidence on the reliability of the video-based telehealth physical examinations. Our objective was to evaluate the feasibility of a physician-directed abdominal examination using telehealth. This was a prospective, blinded observational study of patients >19 years of age presenting with abdominal pain to a large, academic emergency department. In addition to their usual care, patients had a video-based telehealth examination by an emergency physician early in the visit. We compared the in-person and telehealth providers' decisions on imaging. Thirty patients were enrolled and providers' recommendations for imaging were YES (telehealth: 18 (60%); in-person: 22 (73%)), UNSURE (telehealth: 9 (30%); in-person: 2 (7%)) and NO (telehealth: 6 (20%); in-person: 3 (10%)). There were 20 patients for whom both telehealth and in-person providers were not unsure; of these, 16 (80%, 95% confidence interval 56.3-94.3%) patients had a provider agreement on the need for imaging. While the use of video-based telehealth may be feasible for patients seeking emergency department care for abdominal pain, further study is needed to determine how it may be safely deployed. Currently, caution should be exercised when evaluating the need for abdominal imaging remotely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M Hayden
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, USA
| | - Pierre Borczuk
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, USA
| | - Sayon Dutta
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, USA
| | - Shan W Liu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, USA
| | - Benjamin A White
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, USA
| | | | - Hui Zheng
- Department of Biostatistics, Massachusetts General Hospital, USA
| | - Michael R Filbin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, USA
| | - Kori S Zachrison
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, USA
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17
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Chandler NM. Missed Diagnosis of Pediatric Appendicitis: It Takes a Village. Ann Surg 2023; 278:839-840. [PMID: 37724458 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0000000000006095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
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18
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Blok GCGH, Berger MY, Ahmeti AB, Holtman GA. What is important to the GP in recognizing acute appendicitis in children: a delphi study. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2023; 24:217. [PMID: 37872491 PMCID: PMC10591392 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-023-02167-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND For diagnostic research on appendicitis in registration data, insight is needed in the way GPs generate medical records. We aimed to reach a consensus on the features that GPs consider important in the consultation and medical records when evaluating a child with suspected appendicitis. METHODS We performed a three-round Delphi study among Dutch GPs selected by purposive sampling. An initial feature list was created based on a literature search and features in the relevant Dutch guideline. Finally, using a vignette describing a child who needed later reassessment, we asked participants to complete an online questionnaire about which consultation features should be addressed and recorded. RESULTS A literature review and Dutch guideline yielded 95 consultation features. All three rounds were completed by 22 GPs, with the final consensus list containing 26 symptoms, 29 physical assessments and signs, 2 additional tests, and 8 further actions (including safety-netting, i.e., informing the patient about when to contact the GP again). Of these, participants reached consensus that 37 should be actively addressed and that 20 need to be recorded if findings are negative. CONCLUSIONS GPs agreed that negative findings do not need to be recorded for most features and that records should include the prognostic and safety-netting advice given. The results have implications in three main domains: for research, that negative findings are likely to be missing; for medicolegal purposes, that documentation cannot be expected to be complete; and for clinical practice, that safety-netting advice should be given and documented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guus C G H Blok
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, PO Box 196, Groningen, 9700 AD, The Netherlands
| | - Marjolein Y Berger
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, PO Box 196, Groningen, 9700 AD, The Netherlands
| | - Arjan B Ahmeti
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, PO Box 196, Groningen, 9700 AD, The Netherlands
| | - Gea A Holtman
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, PO Box 196, Groningen, 9700 AD, The Netherlands.
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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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Perveen S, Akhtar J, Ali S, Jabbar A. Feasibility of nonoperative treatment of acute appendicitis in children: a prospective cohort study. Singapore Med J 2023:384051. [PMID: 37675678 DOI: 10.4103/singaporemedj.smj-2021-406] [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: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction The management of acute appendicitis is a matter of debate even in contemporary era. Non-operative management is proposed as a valid treatment option for acute appendicitis in children. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted from April 2020 to September 2021 at the National Institute of Child Health, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan, in children aged ≤ 12 years who were suspected of having acute appendicitis. Children with diffuse peritonitis and complex mass on ultrasonography were excluded. All children were kept nil per oral and started on intravenous fluid hydration and antibiotics. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS version 20. Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were applied to determine the statistical significance. Results A total of 190 patients were admitted with a diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Thirty-two children with advanced disease underwent surgery. The remaining 158 patients were managed with nonoperative treatment. In 138 (87.3%) patients, resolution of symptoms occurred. Twenty (12.7%) patients underwent operation during the same admission (non-responders). Thirteen (9.4%) patients had recurrence of symptoms and underwent appendectomy. A total of 33 (20.9%) patients had appendectomy either at the primary admission or after discharge. Non-operative treatment was more likely to be successful in patients with symptoms of ≤ 24 h duration (P = 0.02), total leucocyte count of <12 × 109 cells/L (P = 0.005) and smaller size of the appendix on ultrasound (P = 0.001). Conclusion Among children with uncomplicated acute appendicitis, a non-operative approach resulted in resolution of symptoms in 87.3% of patients at the initial admission. Failure of non-operative treatment and recurrence of disease after discharge from the hospital occurred in 9.4% of patients after successful initial treatment. Thus, the overall success rate at a mean follow-up of 3 months was about 78%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shazia Perveen
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, National Institute of Child Health, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Jamshed Akhtar
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, National Institute of Child Health, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sajid Ali
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, National Institute of Child Health, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Jabbar
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, National Institute of Child Health, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan
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Cruz-Centeno N, Stewart S, Marlor DR, Fraser JA, St Peter SD, Oyetunji TA. Satisfaction With Same-Day Discharge After Laparoscopic Appendectomy for Nonperforated Appendicitis. J Surg Res 2023; 288:134-139. [PMID: 36966593 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2023.02.018] [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: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Same-day discharge (SDD) after laparoscopic appendectomy for acute nonperforated appendicitis is safe, without an increased rate of postoperative complications, emergency department visits, or readmissions. We aimed to evaluate caregiver satisfaction with this protocol. METHODS Patients discharged on the day of laparoscopic appendectomy for nonperforated acute appendicitis were identified between January 2022 and August 2022. Surveys to evaluate satisfaction with the protocol were distributed to the caregivers via email or text message 96 h after discharge. Telephone surveys were conducted if there were no responses to the initial online survey. The surveys assessed comfort with SDD, postoperative pain control adequacy, postoperative provider contact, and overall satisfaction. The protocol focused on avoidance of narcotics in the postoperative period and immediate return to a regular diet. RESULTS A total of 255 cases of nonperforated acute appendicitis underwent SDD. The survey response rate was 50.6% (n = 129). Most respondents were Caucasian (69.0%, n = 89) and male (51.9%, n = 67) with a median age of 12.0 y (IQR 8.9,14.7). The median postoperative length of hospital stay was 3.8 h (interquartile range [IQR] 3.2,4.8). The overall satisfaction rate was 91.5%, with 118 caregivers feeling satisfied with SDD. Most caregivers felt comfortable with the SDD protocol (89.9%, n = 116), with 22.5% (n = 29) calling a medical provider postoperatively. Approximately nine out of 10 caregivers reported that pain was adequately controlled (91.5%, n = 118). In contrast, those that were dissatisfied reported issues with pain control and anxiety with SDD after a surgical procedure. CONCLUSIONS Caregiver satisfaction and comfort with same-day discharge following laparoscopic appendectomy is high with appropriate anticipatory guidance and preoperative education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelimar Cruz-Centeno
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Shai Stewart
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Derek R Marlor
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - James A Fraser
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Shawn D St Peter
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri; School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Tolulope A Oyetunji
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri; School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri.
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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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24
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Boyle MJ, Lin-Martore M, Graglia S. Point-of-care ultrasound in the assessment of appendicitis. Emerg Med J 2023; 40:528-531. [PMID: 37277167 DOI: 10.1136/emermed-2022-212433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Jarvis Boyle
- Emergency Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Margaret Lin-Martore
- Departments of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Sally Graglia
- Emergency Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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25
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Polyzogopoulou E, Velliou M, Verras C, Ventoulis I, Parissis J, Osterwalder J, Hoffmann B. Point-of-Care Ultrasound: A Multimodal Tool for the Management of Sepsis in the Emergency Department. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1180. [PMID: 37374384 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59061180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Sepsis and septic shock are life-threatening emergencies associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Hence, early diagnosis and management of both conditions is of paramount importance. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a cost-effective and safe imaging modality performed at the bedside, which has rapidly emerged as an excellent multimodal tool and has been gradually incorporated as an adjunct to physical examination in order to facilitate evaluation, diagnosis and management. In sepsis, POCUS can assist in the evaluation of undifferentiated sepsis, while, in cases of shock, it can contribute to the differential diagnosis of other types of shock, thus facilitating the decision-making process. Other potential benefits of POCUS include prompt identification and control of the source of infection, as well as close haemodynamic and treatment monitoring. The aim of this review is to determine and highlight the role of POCUS in the evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of the septic patient. Future research should focus on developing and implementing a well-defined algorithmic approach for the POCUS-guided management of sepsis in the emergency department setting given its unequivocal utility as a multimodal tool for the overall evaluation and management of the septic patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Effie Polyzogopoulou
- Emergency Medicine Department, Attikon University Hospital, 12462 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Velliou
- Emergency Medicine Department, Attikon University Hospital, 12462 Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Verras
- Emergency Medicine Department, Attikon University Hospital, 12462 Athens, Greece
- National Centre of Emergency Care (EKAB), 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Ventoulis
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Western Macedonia, 50200 Ptolemaida, Greece
| | - John Parissis
- Emergency Medicine Department, Attikon University Hospital, 12462 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Beatrice Hoffmann
- Department of Emergency Medicine BIDMC, One Deaconess Rd, WCC2, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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26
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Schuh S, Man C, Marie E, Alhashmi GHA, Halevy D, Wales PW, Singer-Harel D, Finkelstein A, Sweeney J, Doria AS. Properties of ultrasound-rapid MRI clinical diagnostic pathway in suspected pediatric appendicitis-A prospective cohort study. Am J Emerg Med 2023; 71:217-224. [PMID: 37453161 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2023.06.026] [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: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE to determine diagnostic accuracy of an US-MRI clinical diagnostic pathway to detect appendicitis in the emergency department (ED). STUDY DESIGN prospective cohort study of 624 previously healthy children 4-17 years old undergoing US for suspected appendicitis and clinical re-assessment. Children with non-diagnostic USs and persistent appendicitis concern/conclusive US-reassessment discrepancies underwent ultra-rapid MRI (US-MRI pathway), interpreted as positive, negative or non-diagnostic. Cases with missed appendicitis, negative appendectomies, and CT utilization were considered clinically diagnostically inaccurate. Primary outcome was the proportion of accurate diagnoses of appendicitis/lack thereof by the pathway. RESULTS 150/624 (24%) children had appendicitis;255 USs (40.9%) were non-diagnostic. Of 139 US-MRI pathway children (after 117 non-diagnostic and 22 conclusive USs), 137 [98.6%; 95% CI 0.96-1.00] had clinically accurate outcomes (1 CT, 1 negative appendectomy): sensitivity 18/18 [100%], specificity 119/121 [98.3%], positive predictive value 18/20 [90.5%], negative predictive value 119/119 [100%]. MRI imaging accuracy was 134/139 (96.4%); 3 MRIs were non-diagnostic (no appendicitis). In the overall algorithm, 616/624 [98.7% (0.97-0.99)] patients had accurate outcomes: 147/150 (98.0%) appendicitis cases had confirmatory surgeries (3 CTs) and 469/474 (98.9%) appendicitis-negative children had no surgery/CT. CONCLUSION this study demonstrated high clinical accuracy of the US-rapid-MRI pathway in suspected pediatric appendicitis after non-diagnostic US.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Schuh
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto Canada; The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto Canada.
| | - Carina Man
- Department Diagnostic Imaging, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto Canada
| | - Eman Marie
- Department Diagnostic Imaging, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto Canada
| | | | - Dan Halevy
- Department Diagnostic Imaging, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto Canada
| | - Paul W Wales
- Department of Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto Canada
| | - Dana Singer-Harel
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto Canada
| | - Aya Finkelstein
- The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto Canada
| | - Judith Sweeney
- The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto Canada
| | - Andrea S Doria
- Department Diagnostic Imaging, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto Canada; The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto Canada
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27
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Hayden EM, Borczuk P, Dutta S, Filbin MR, Liu SW, White BA, Kugener E, Parry BA, Horick N, Zachrison KS. Can tablet video-based telehealth assessment of the abdomen safely determine the need for abdominal imaging? A pilot study. J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open 2023; 4:e12963. [PMID: 37193059 PMCID: PMC10182362 DOI: 10.1002/emp2.12963] [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: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective There is limited evidence on the reliability of video-based physical examinations. We aimed to evaluate the safety of a remote physician-directed abdominal examination using tablet-based video. Methods This was a prospective observational pilot study of patients >19 years old presenting with abdominal pain to an academic emergency department July 9, 2021-December 21, 2021. In addition to usual care, patients had a tablet video-based telehealth history and examination by an emergency physician who was otherwise not involved in the visit. Both telehealth and in-person clinicians were asked about the patient's need for abdominal imaging (yes/no). Thirty-day chart review searched for subsequent ED visits, hospitalizations, and procedures. Our primary outcome was agreement between telehealth and in-person clinicians on imaging need. Our secondary outcome was potentially missed imaging by the telehealth physicians leading to morbidity or mortality. We used descriptive and bivariate analyses to examine characteristics associated with disagreement on imaging needs. Results Fifty-six patients were enrolled; the median age was 43 years (interquartile range: 27-59), 31 (55%) were female. The telehealth and in-person clinicians agreed on the need for imaging in 42 (75%) of the patients (95% confidence interval [CI]: 62%-86%), with moderate agreement with Cohen's kappa ((k = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.15-0.67). For study patients who had a procedure within 24 hours of ED arrival (n = 3, 5.4%, 95% CI: 1.1%-14.9%) or within 30 days (n = 7, 12.5%, 95% CI: 5.2%-24.1%), neither telehealth physicians nor in-person clinicians missed timely imaging. Conclusion In this pilot study, telehealth physicians and in-person clinicians agreed on the need for imaging for the majority of patients with abdominal pain. Importantly, telehealth physicians did not miss the identification of imaging needs for patients requiring urgent or emergent surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M. Hayden
- Department of Emergency MedicineMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Pierre Borczuk
- Department of Emergency MedicineMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Sayon Dutta
- Department of Emergency MedicineMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Michael R. Filbin
- Department of Emergency MedicineMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Shan W. Liu
- Department of Emergency MedicineMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Benjamin A. White
- Department of Emergency MedicineMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Eleonore Kugener
- Department of Emergency MedicineMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Blair A. Parry
- Department of Emergency MedicineMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Nora Horick
- Biostatistics CenterMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Kori S. Zachrison
- Department of Emergency MedicineMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
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28
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Diercks DB, Adkins EJ, Harrison N, Sokolove PE, Kwok H, Wolf SJ, Diercks DB, Anderson JD, Byyny R, Carpenter CR, Friedman B, Gemme SR, Gerardo CJ, Godwin SA, Hahn SA, Hatten BW, Haukoos JS, Kaji A, Kwok H, Lo BM, Mace SE, Moran M, Promes SB, Shah KH, Shih RD, Silvers SM, Slivinski A, Smith MD, Thiessen MEW, Tomaszewski CA, Trent S, Valente JH, Wall SP, Westafer LM, Yu Y, Cantrill SV, Finnell JT, Schulz T, Vandertulip K. Clinical Policy: Critical Issues in the Evaluation and Management of Emergency Department Patients With Suspected Appendicitis: Approved by ACEP Board of Directors February 1, 2023. Ann Emerg Med 2023; 81:e115-e152. [PMID: 37210169 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2023.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
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29
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Ruscica A, Chen C, Ng L. Updates in pediatric ultrasound. Curr Opin Pediatr 2023; 35:324-330. [PMID: 36974449 DOI: 10.1097/mop.0000000000001244] [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: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has various diagnostic and therapeutic applications in the pediatric acute care setting that have an impact on clinical outcomes. RECENT FINDINGS POCUS can improve diagnostic efficiency and expedite management in pediatric patients who present to the emergency department with common complaints such as respiratory distress, abdominal pain, shock, and pain. SUMMARY Rapid advancements in POCUS have allowed it to become a powerful tool in pediatric care. As the clinical applications of ultrasound diversify, research is needed to evaluate impacts on healthcare outcomes, delivery, and costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Ruscica
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine, New York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, New York, New York, USA
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30
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Tintor G, Jukić M, Šupe-Domić D, Jerončić A, Pogorelić Z. Diagnostic Accuracy of Leucine-Rich α-2-Glycoprotein 1 as a Non-Invasive Salivary Biomarker in Pediatric Appendicitis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076043. [PMID: 37047015 PMCID: PMC10094467 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076043] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of leucine-rich α-2-glycoprotein 1 (LRG1) in saliva as a novel biomarker for acute appendicitis in the pediatric population. From October 2021 to June 2022, 92 children aged 5 to 17 years who presented with acute abdomen and suspected acute appendicitis were enrolled in this prospective study. The parameters documented included demographic and clinical information, as well as operative and postoperative data. Patients were divided into two groups: those with acute appendicitis who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy (n = 46) and those without appendicitis (n = 46). The total white blood cell (WBC) count, percent of neutrophils, C-reactive protein (CRP) level, and salivary LRG1 were compared between groups. A commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) LRG kit was used to measure the LRG levels. The median salivary LRG1 level was significantly higher in the group of children with pathohistologically confirmed acute appendicitis compared to the control group: 233.45 ng/mL (IQR 114.9, 531.2) vs. 55.95 ng/mL (IQR 51.5, 117.9), p < 0.001. LRG1 had an overall good receiver-operator characteristic area under the curve of 0.85 (95% CI 0.76-0.92; p < 0.001). The optimal LRG1 cutoff with best separation between acute appendicitis and the controls was >352.6 ng/mL (95% CI from >270.7 to >352.6). Although the specificity was 100% at this cutoff, the sensitivity for identifying appendicitis was 36%. In addition, a significant difference was found between groups in the laboratory values of all inflammatory markers tested: WBC, absolute neutrophil count, and CRP (p < 0.001 for all). Although LRG1 in saliva showed a good AUC parameter and significantly higher values in patients with acute appendicitis compared to the controls, its usefulness in the patient population who present at emergency departments with abdominal pain is debatable. Future studies should focus on investigating its diagnostic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goran Tintor
- Department of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, University Hospital of Split, 21 000 Split, Croatia
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Split, 21 000 Split, Croatia
| | - Miro Jukić
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Split, 21 000 Split, Croatia
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital of Split, 21 000 Split, Croatia
| | - Daniela Šupe-Domić
- Department of Medical Laboratory Diagnostics, University Hospital of Split, 21 000 Split, Croatia
| | - Ana Jerončić
- Department of Research in Biomedicine and Health, School of Medicine, University of Split, 21 000 Split, Croatia
| | - Zenon Pogorelić
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Split, 21 000 Split, Croatia
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital of Split, 21 000 Split, Croatia
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31
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Contemporary Use of Ultrasonography in Acute Care Pediatrics. Indian J Pediatr 2023; 90:459-469. [PMID: 36897471 DOI: 10.1007/s12098-023-04475-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Use of ultrasonography by clinicians at the point of care has expanded widely and rapidly. Pediatric acute care providers now leverage this valuable tool to guide procedures, diagnose pathophysiologic processes, and inform time-sensitive decisions in sick and unstable children. However, the deployment of any new technology must be packaged with training, protocols, and safeguards to optimize safety for patients, providers, and institutions. As ultrasonography is increasingly incorporated into residency, fellowship, and even medical student curricula, it is important that educators and trainees are aware of the diversity of its clinical applications. This article aims to review the current state of point-of-care ultrasonography in acute care pediatrics, with an emphasis on the literature supporting the use of this important clinical tool.
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Barie PS, Kao LS, Moody M, Sawyer RG. Infection or Inflammation: Are Uncomplicated Acute Appendicitis, Acute Cholecystitis, and Acute Diverticulitis Infectious Diseases? Surg Infect (Larchmt) 2023; 24:99-111. [PMID: 36656157 DOI: 10.1089/sur.2022.363] [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: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: It is recognized increasingly that common surgical infections of the peritoneal cavity may be treated with antibiotic agents alone, or source control surgery with short-course antimicrobial therapy. By extension, testable hypotheses have emerged that such infections may not actually be infectious diseases, but rather represent inflammation that can be treated successfully with neither surgery nor antibiotic agents. The aim of this review is to examine extant data to determine which of uncomplicated acute appendicitis (uAA), uncomplicated acute calculous cholecystitis (uACC), or uncomplicated mild acute diverticulitis (umAD) might be amenable to management using supportive therapy alone, consistent with the principles of antimicrobial stewardship. Methods: Review of pertinent English-language literature and expert opinion. Results: Only two small trials have examined whether uAA can be managed with observation and supportive therapy alone, one of which is underpowered and was stopped prematurely because of challenging patient recruitment. Data are insufficient to determine the safety and efficacy of non-antibiotic therapy of uAA. Uncomplicated acute calculous cholecystitis is not primarily an infectious disease; infection is a secondary phenomenon. Even when bactibilia is present, there is no high-quality evidence to suggest that mild disease should be treated with antibiotic agents. There is evidence to indicate that antibiotic prophylaxis is indicated for urgent/emergency cholecystectomy for uACC, but not in the post-operative period. Uncomplicated mild acute diverticulitis, generally Hinchey 1a or 1b in current nomenclature, does not benefit from antimicrobial agents based on multiple clinical studies. The implication is that umAD is inflammatory and not an infectious disease. Non-antimicrobial management is reasonable. Conclusions: Among the considered disease entities, the evidence is strongest that umAD is not an infectious disease and can be treated without antibiotic agents, intermediate regarding uACC, and lacking for uAA. A plausible hypothesis is that these inflammatory conditions are related to disruption of the normal microbiome, resulting in dysbiosis, which is defined as an imbalance of the natural microflora, especially of the gut, that is believed to contribute to a range of conditions of ill health. As for restorative pre- or probiotic therapy to reconstitute the microbiome, no recommendation can be made in terms of treatment, but it is not recommended for prevention of primary or recurrent disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip S Barie
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Lillian S Kao
- Department of Surgery, UTHealth Houston John P. and Kathrine G. McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Mikayla Moody
- Department of Surgery, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
| | - Robert G Sawyer
- Department of Surgery, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
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Octavius GS, Muljono MP, Budiputri CL. Serum pentraxin-3 in diagnosing acute appendicitis in patients with acute abdominal pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy. Surgery 2023; 173:1122-1128. [PMID: 36828742 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2023.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute appendicitis is one of many common reasons for acute abdominal pain, and its exact diagnosis is still debatable amongst clinicians. This systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy aim to look at serum pentraxin-3 performance in diagnosing acute appendicitis in patients with acute abdominal pain. METHODS This systematic review is registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42022338296). The primary outcome of this study is to examine the sensitivity, specificity, and post-test probability of serum pentraxin-3 (the index test) in patients with acute appendicitis. We searched various academic databases such as Pubmed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, Google Scholar, ScieLO, MedRxiv, BioRxiv, and Research Square. Two independent authors reviewed, selected the articles, and extracted the data. The analysis was done using STATA software using the "midas" and "metandi" commands. RESULTS Five articles fulfilled our inclusion criteria with 520 patients, and 27.5% of them were children. The combined sensitivity is 90.3% (95% confidence interval 78.6-95.9), and the combined specificity is 91.2% (95% confidence interval 22.1-99.7). The area under the curve is 0.94 (95% confidence interval 0.92-0.96). Fagan's Nomogram showed that the positive likelihood ratio is 10.38 (95% confidence interval 0.38-284.76) with an 87% post-test probability, while the negative likelihood ratio is 0.11 (95% confidence interval 0.04-0.27) with a 7% post-test probability. The combined negative predictive value is 0.89 (95% confidence interval 0.81-0.98), and the positive predictive value is 0.90 (95% confidence interval 0.81-0.98). CONCLUSION Serum pentraxin-3 could only be used as a confirmation test for acute appendicitis but not exclude it.
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Sikander B, Rosenberg J, Fonnes S. Individual biomarkers in the blood are not yet applicable in diagnosing complicated appendicitis: A scoping review. Am J Emerg Med 2023; 67:100-107. [PMID: 36842426 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2023.02.016] [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: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Appendicitis is one of the most common surgical emergencies globally and it can both be difficult to diagnose but also to differentiate complicated from uncomplicated appendicitis preoperatively. The objective of this scoping review was to develop an overview of biomarkers in blood discriminating complicated from uncomplicated appendicitis and characterize their applicability in an acute setting including time, cost, and analysis technique required as well as their individual precision. METHOD This scoping review was reported in accordance with PRISMA-ScR. The included studies had to report on biomarkers measured in the blood for at least ten patients with suspected appendicitis. A systematic literature search was conducted on August 28, 2022, in PubMed and Embase but restricted to articles published in January 2000 and onwards. A protocol was uploaded to Open Science Framework prior to data extraction. RESULTS A total of 65 biomarkers were included from 52 studies, covering 14,312 patients. There was 60% routine- and 40% novel biomarkers based on the reported analysis technique. The most frequently investigated biomarkers within each group were white blood cell count and procalcitonin. The routine biomarkers were of low financial cost but poor diagnostic accuracy with sensitivity ranging between 15 and 100% and specificity between 27 and 100%. Novel markers were costly ranging from 275 to 800$, and their diagnostic accuracy was based on limited population sizes (median 34 patients) and reported for only 5% of the novel markers. CONCLUSION Routine biomarkers were applicable in an acute setting but had poor diagnostic accuracy. Novel biomarkers are being investigated for potential, but the concept is still premature due to lack of diagnostic accuracy studies reporting cost-benefit for individual markers and whether they can be applied in an acute setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binyamin Sikander
- Center for Perioperative Optimization, Department of Surgery, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Borgmester Ib Juuls Vej 1, DK-2730 Herlev, Denmark.
| | - Jacob Rosenberg
- Center for Perioperative Optimization, Department of Surgery, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Borgmester Ib Juuls Vej 1, DK-2730 Herlev, Denmark
| | - Siv Fonnes
- Center for Perioperative Optimization, Department of Surgery, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Borgmester Ib Juuls Vej 1, DK-2730 Herlev, Denmark
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35
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Mori T, Ihara T, Nomura O. Diagnostic accuracy of point-of-care ultrasound for paediatric testicular torsion: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Accid Emerg Med 2023; 40:140-146. [PMID: 35523539 DOI: 10.1136/emermed-2021-212281] [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: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have examined the utility of ultrasonography performed by radiologists for diagnosing paediatric testicular torsion. While point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is used in paediatric emergency medicine, its diagnostic accuracy is still unknown. OBJECTIVES The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to clarify the accuracy of POCUS in diagnosing testicular torsion in children. METHODS Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Diagnostic Test Accuracy guidelines, a systematic review was performed using the indices of MEDLINE, EMBASE plus EMBASE classics, PubMed and the Cochrane database from inception to November 2020. Any study investigating the diagnostic accuracy of POCUS for paediatric testicular torsion was extracted. The primary outcome was the assessment of the diagnostic accuracy of POCUS for paediatric testicular torsion. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were calculated. Quality analysis was conducted using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2). RESULTS Four studies enrolling 784 patients in total were included. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios of POCUS were 98.4% (95% CI: 88.5% to 99.8%), 97.2% (95% CI: 87.2% to 99.4%), 34.7 (95% CI: 7.4 to 164.4) and 0.017 (95% CI: 0.002 to 0.12), respectively. Risk-of-bias assessment using QUADAS-2 revealed that two of the studies had a high risk of bias in patient selection. CONCLUSION The present systematic review and meta-analysis showed that POCUS had high sensitivity and specificity for identifying testicular torsion in paediatric patients although the risk of bias was high in the studies analysed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takaaki Mori
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan .,Department of Emergency Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore
| | - Takateru Ihara
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Osamu Nomura
- Department of Emergency and Disaster Medicine, Hirosaki University, Hirosaki, Japan
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D’Andrea A, Del Giudice C, Fabiani D, Caputo A, Sabatella F, Cante L, Palermi S, Desiderio A, Tagliamonte E, Liccardo B, Russo V. The Incremental Role of Multiorgan Point-of-Care Ultrasounds in the Emergency Setting. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2088. [PMID: 36767456 PMCID: PMC9915087 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) represents a goal-directed ultrasound examination performed by clinicians directly involved in patient healthcare. POCUS has been widely used in emergency departments, where US exams allow physicians to make quick diagnoses and to recognize early life-threatening conditions which require prompt interventions. Although initially meant for the real-time evaluation of cardiovascular and respiratory pathologies, its use has been extended to a wide range of clinical applications, such as screening for deep-vein thrombosis and trauma, abdominal ultrasonography of the right upper quadrant and appendix, and guidance for invasive procedures. Moreover, recently, bedside ultrasounds have been used to evaluate the fluid balance and to guide decongestive therapy in acutely decompensated heart failure. The aim of the present review was to discuss the most common applications of POCUS in the emergency setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonello D’Andrea
- Department of Cardiology and Intensive Coronary Care, Umberto I Hospital, 84014 Nocera Inferiore, Italy
| | - Carmen Del Giudice
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Traslational Medical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Dario Fabiani
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Traslational Medical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Adriano Caputo
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Traslational Medical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Sabatella
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Traslational Medical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Cante
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Traslational Medical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Stefano Palermi
- Public Health Department, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Alfonso Desiderio
- Department of Cardiology and Intensive Coronary Care, Umberto I Hospital, 84014 Nocera Inferiore, Italy
| | - Ercole Tagliamonte
- Department of Cardiology and Intensive Coronary Care, Umberto I Hospital, 84014 Nocera Inferiore, Italy
| | - Biagio Liccardo
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Traslational Medical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Russo
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Traslational Medical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80131 Naples, Italy
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Yang HB, Song HB, Han JW, Youn JK, Ko D, Ryu YJ, Kim JY, Kim HY. Clinical course in children with equivocal appendicitis on computed tomography: a retrospective cohort study. Ann Surg Treat Res 2023; 104:51-59. [PMID: 36685769 PMCID: PMC9830045 DOI: 10.4174/astr.2023.104.1.51] [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: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Appendectomy is one of the most common surgeries in children. Although various radiological examinations are performed, they do not always reveal a definitive diagnosis of appendicitis. This study aimed to investigate the clinical course of equivocal appendicitis, identify the factors associated with appendectomy, and suggest appropriate management for these patients. Methods Patients younger than 19 years who visited Seoul National University Bundang Hospital with a differential diagnosis of appendicitis from January 2013 to December 2017 were included. All participants conducted 'appendiceal CT' with a scoring scale of 1-5. The higher the score, the higher the likelihood of a radiologic diagnosis of appendicitis. We defined the appendicitis CT score of 2-4 as equivocal appendicitis (n = 143). Medical records were reviewed retrospectively for demographics, further examination as abdominal ultrasonography, and appendectomy status (yes or no). The mean follow-up period was 15.6 ± 71 days. Results Equivocal appendicitis accounted for 16.7%. Additional ultrasonography test was performed in 24.5% (35 of 143). In total, 34 patients (23.8%) underwent appendectomy. Among the patients with appendiceal CT scores 2, 3, and 4, 4.9%, 50.0%, and 87.5% underwent appendectomy, respectively. Higher WBC count, higher appendicitis CT score, and readmission were significantly associated with appendectomy in patients with equivocal appendicitis. Conclusion Higher appendicitis CT score and WBC level were positively associated with appendectomy. Careful observation can be a treatment option in appendicitis CT score 2 or 3 groups. Appendectomy is the first-line treatment for patients with appendicitis score 4. Additional ultrasonography test is advisable to determine treatment modality for equivocal appendicitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Beom Yang
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Han-Byol Song
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Ji-Won Han
- Department of Surgery, Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Joong Kee Youn
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Seoul National University Children’s Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dayoung Ko
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Seoul National University Children’s Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Jin Ryu
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Ji Young Kim
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Hyun-Young Kim
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Seoul National University Children’s Hospital, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
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Applicability of American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria Decision-Making Model for Acute Appendicitis Diagnosis in Children. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12122915. [PMID: 36552924 PMCID: PMC9776694 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12122915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute appendicitis is one of the most common causes of abdominal pain in the emergency department and the most common surgical emergency reason for children younger than 15 years of age, which could be enormously dangerous when ruptured. The choice of radiological approach is very important for the diagnosis. In this way, unnecessary surgery is avoided. The aim of this study was to examine the validity of the American College of Radiology appropriateness criteria for radiological imaging in diagnosing acute appendicitis with multivariate decision criteria. In our study, pediatric patients who presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain were grouped according to the Appendicitis Inflammatory Response (AIR) score and the choice of radiological examinations was evaluated with fuzzy-based Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluation (PROMETHEE) and with the fuzzy-based Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) model for the validation of the results. As a result of this study, non-contrast computed tomography (CT) was recommended as the first choice for patients with low AIR score (where Φnet=0.0733) and with high AIR scores (where Φnet=0.0702) while ultrasound (US) examination was ranked third in patients with high scores. While computed tomography is at the forefront with many criteria used in the study, it is still a remarkable practice that US examination is in the first place in daily routine. Even though there are studies showing the strengths of these tools, this study is unique in that it provides analytical ranking results for this complex decision-making issue and shows the strengths and weaknesses of each alternative for different scenarios, even considering vague information for the acute appendicitis diagnosis in children for different scenarios.
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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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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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Point-of-Care Abdominal Ultrasonography (POCUS) on the Way to the Right and Rapid Diagnosis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12092052. [PMID: 36140454 PMCID: PMC9497677 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12092052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Point-of-Care ultrasound (POCUS) is based on target ultrasound that is performed wherever a patient is being treated, and by a non-radiologist directly involved in the patient’s care. It is used either for quick diagnosis or procedural guidance. Abdominal pain is one of the most common complaints in emergency departments, and POCUS can help in the differentiation of patients who need additional diagnostic tests or hospital treatment, which eventually reduces the overall costs of health care. POCUS has high sensitivity and specificity in abdominal pathology, it can be helpful in the evaluation of biliary, intestinal, and urinary tract, and it is especially used in trauma. Additionally, the gold standard for abdominal aortic aneurysm detection, follow up and screening is precisely this diagnostic procedure. Unfortunately, the quality of ultrasound examination can be affected by the experience of the physician performing it and the patient’s body weight. There is no doubt that POCUS is being increasingly recognized, but all motivated physicians should be provided with dedicated tutors and enough time for learning. This would certainly help to implement this diagnostic method as a routine in emergency and critical care departments, and significantly shorten the time until definitive diagnosis.
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Qiao L, Li R. Influence of Personalized Health Management Model Based on Internet Mode on Self-Management Ability and Life Quality of Patients with Chronic Diseases Undergoing Physical Examination. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2022; 2022:4434436. [PMID: 35983524 PMCID: PMC9381198 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4434436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective To explore the influence of personalized health management model based on the Internet mode on self-management ability and life quality of patients with chronic diseases of physical examination. Methods Sixty patients with chronic diseases who went through physical examination from February 2019 to April 2021 were enrolled in our hospital. The patients were arbitrarily assigned into control and research group. The former group received routine nursing, and the latter group received personalized health management mode based on the Internet mode. The nursing satisfaction, self-management behavior ability, blood pressure level, physiological index, mastery of health knowledge, and life quality scores were compared. Results In terms of nursing satisfaction, the research group was very satisfied in 20 cases, satisfactory in 9 cases, and general in 1 case, with a satisfaction rate of 100.00%; In the control group, 15 cases were very satisfied, 9 cases were satisfied, 1 case was general, 5 cases were not satisfied, and the satisfaction rate was 83.33%; The nursing satisfaction of the research group was higher (P < 0.05). Compared with the self-management behavior ability, the scores of diet control, regular medication, correct medication, and smoking cessation in the research group were remarkably higher (P < 0.05). There exhibited no significant difference in blood pressure level before intervention (P > 0.05); after intervention, the blood pressure levels lessened. Compared with the control group, the systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure of the research group were lower (P < 0.05). The levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and fasting blood glucose in the research group were remarkably lower (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the scores of health knowledge in the research group were remarkably higher, including the harm of smoking, the use of drugs, the importance of persisting in taking drugs, the pathogenesis of chronic diseases, the effect of emotional management on the disease, and the dietary awareness in the research group (P < 0.05). There exhibited no significant difference in the score of life quality before nursing (P > 0.05); after nursing, the score of life quality lessened, and the scores of physiological function, psychological function, social function, and health self-cognition in the research group were lower (P < 0.05). Conclusion The personalized health management model based on the Internet mode can effectively enhance the chronic disease physiological indexes such as blood pressure, blood lipids, and blood sugar and improve the self-management ability of the patients with chronic disease, which is worth further popularizing and applying in the clinical physical examination in clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Qiao
- Physical Examination Department, Yuncheng First Hospital Yuncheng, Shanxi 044000, China
| | - Ruijuan Li
- The Pain Department, Yuncheng First Hospital Yuncheng, Shanxi 044000, China
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Mean Platelet Volume in the Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis in the Pediatric Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12071596. [PMID: 35885500 PMCID: PMC9318144 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12071596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) has been suggested as a biomarker for acute appendicitis (AA) in the adult population. The utility of MPV in pediatric AA remains vague. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to systematically summarize and compare all relevant data on MPV as a diagnostic biomarker for AA in children. Methods: Databases were systematically searched using keywords ((mean platelet volume) OR mpv) AND (appendicitis). The inclusion criteria were all comparative studies of MPV in children aged less than 18 years and diagnosed with AA. Two authors independently assessed the methodological quality using the Downs and Black scale. Results: We included fourteen studies in the final meta-analysis; most were retrospective. Eight studies compared the MPV values between AA and non-AA; four studies compared the same between AA and healthy controls; two studies compared the MPV values among all three groups. The estimated heterogeneity among the studies for all outcomes was high and statistically significant. The pooling the data showed no statistically significant difference in MPV (weighted mean difference (WMD) = −0.42, 95% CI = (−1.04, 0.20), p = 0.19) between AA and healthy controls or AA and non-AA cases (WMD = 0.01, 95% CI = (−0.15, 0.17), p = 0.90). Conclusion: While MPV levels seem to have some utility in adult AA diagnosis, MPV levels should not dictate treatment options in pediatric AA.
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Blood routine examination: a simple way for differential diagnosis of immunoglobulin A vasculitis with abdominal involvement and appendicitis in children. Updates Surg 2022; 74:1683-1689. [PMID: 35737259 DOI: 10.1007/s13304-022-01299-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
To explore the value of blood routine examination indexes in the differential diagnosis of immunoglobulin A vasculitis (IgAV) with abdominal involvement and appendicitis in children. Forty-seven patients with IgAV and abdominal involvement, 95 cases with appendicitis, and 48 healthy children were enrolled in this study. Demographic and laboratory data were retrospectively recorded from medical files. The levels of serum percentage of lymphocytes (LYM%), percentage of eosinophils (E%), red cell volume distribution width (RDW) and platelet (PLT) count were higher, while blood cells (WBC) count, percentage of neutrophils (N%), percentage of monocytes (M%), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width and C-reactive protein were lower in the group of IgAV with abdominal involvement compared to appendicitis group (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed LYM% (odds ratio (OR) = 1.34, P = 0.001) and RDW (OR = 2.96, P = 0.045) were independent risk factors for IgAV with abdominal involvement. N% (OR = 1.270, P = 0.006) and MPV (OR = 51.15, P = 0.042) were independently associated with appendicitis. Using receiver operating characteristic analysis, the optimal cut-off values (sensitivity and specificity) respectively were 42.17% (95.7%, 100.0%) for LYM%, 12.65% (83.0%, 83.2%) for RDW, 61.5% (91.6%, 97.9%) for NE% and 10.1fL (78.9%, 75.4%) for MPV, with the AUC values of 0.989, 0.881, 0.985, 0.810, respectively. Blood routine examination indices, especially the N%, LYM%, RDW, and MPV, can be used for simple differential diagnosis of IgAV with abdominal involvement and appendicitis.
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Arredondo Montero J, Bardají Pascual C, Antona G, Bronte Anaut M, López-Andrés N, Martín-Calvo N. Diagnostic performance of calprotectin and APPY-1 test in pediatric acute appendicitis: a systematic review and a meta-analysis. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg 2022; 49:763-773. [PMID: 35633377 DOI: 10.1007/s00068-022-02000-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric acute appendicitis (AA) is a challenging pathology to diagnose. In the last decades, multiple biomarkers have been evaluated in different human biological samples to improve diagnostic performance. This study aimed to examine the diagnostic performance of serum, fecal and urinary calprotectin as well as the role of the APPY-1 biomarker panel in pediatric acute appendicitis. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of the literature that involved an extensive search in the main databases of medical bibliography (Medline, PubMed, Web of Science and SciELO). Two independent reviewers selected the relevant articles based on the previously defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Methodological quality of the selected article was rated using the QUADAS2 index. Data extraction was performed by two independent reviewers. A synthesis of the results, a standardization of the metrics and two random-effect meta-analyses, one for serum calprotectin and one for APPY-1, were performed. RESULTS The research resulted in 173 articles. Thirty-eight duplicates were removed. Among the remaining 135 articles, we excluded 125 following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, resulting in the 10 studies included in this review. This systematic review included data from of 3901 participants (1276 patients with confirmed diagnosis of AA and 2625 controls). The age of the participants ranged from 0 to 21 years. Four of the studies compared serum calprotectin values and reported significant differences between groups, but inconsistent results regarding cutoff points, sensitivity and specificity. Two publications compared urinary values of calprotectin and presented inconsistent results regarding sensitivity and specificity as well. One publication evaluated the diagnostic performance of fecal calprotectin, but it did not provide data on measured values. Four studies evaluated the diagnostic performance of APPY-1 test in pediatric acute appendicitis. The calculated pooled sensitivity and specificity of those studies were 97.37 (95% CI 95.60-98.44) and 36.74 (95% CI 32.28-41.44), respectively, and the calculated pooled NLR, 0.0714 (95% CI 0.041-0.115). CONCLUSION Serum calprotectin has limited diagnostic yield in pediatric acute appendicitis. Its performance seems to increase with the hours of clinical evolution and in advanced AA, although the evidence is limited. There is not enough evidence on the usefulness of urinary or fecal calprotectin in the diagnosis of pediatric acute appendicitis. On the other hand, the APPY-1 is a reliable test to exclude the diagnosis of AA in patients at low or moderate risk according to PAS and Alvarado Score.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Giuseppa Antona
- Pediatric Surgery Department, Hospital Universitario de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Natalia López-Andrés
- Cardiovascular Translational Research, NavarraBiomed (Miguel Servet Foundation), Hospital Universitario de Navarra, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Nerea Martín-Calvo
- School of Medicine, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University de Navarra, Calle Irunlarrea 1, 31008, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain. .,IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
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Zisman A, Novi B, Gaughan J, Carr L. Factors affecting utilization of CT scan following ultrasound evaluation of suspected appendicitis. J Osteopath Med 2022; 122:313-318. [PMID: 35245969 DOI: 10.1515/jom-2021-0251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT When evaluating a pediatric patient in the emergency department for suspected appendicitis, a provider is often faced with the dilemma of deciding if a computed tomography (CT) scan is warranted when-as is most often the case-ultrasound results do not yield a definitive diagnosis. The potential risks of radiation must be weighed against numerous aspects of a patient's background, physical exam, and already-obtained workup. OBJECTIVES This study aims to aid in future decision making of providers in their evaluation of patients with suspected appendicitis, to help facilitate a more comprehensive answer to the "next-steps" in the question of equivocal ultrasound, and to create a pathway utilizing lab results, physical exam findings, and pertinent positives and negatives in patient history to facilitate a more objective decision-making process for ordering a CT scan. METHODS A retrospective chart review was performed for patients who were evaluated for possible appendicitis at our institution between October 2016 and October 2017 and whose ultrasound results were equivocal. We determined what factors led to increased frequency of obtaining CT scans. RESULTS Statistical analysis showed that several factors were independently associated with the increased likelihood of having a CT scan performed. When considered in combination with the other parameters, it was found that older children, males, report of right lower quadrant (RLQ) pain, and presence of RLQ tenderness on physical exam were all associated with a significantly higher likelihood of having a CT scan performed. CONCLUSIONS When combined with present algorithms and protocols already in use, this information can assist the provider in making prudent decisions for their patients with the potential for reduced provider bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Zisman
- Department of Pediatrics, St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Brian Novi
- Department of Pediatrics, St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - John Gaughan
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lauren Carr
- Department of Pediatrics, St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Chiang E, Belfer J, Baker MA, Ng L, Fenster D. Amyand Hernia: As Seen on Point-of-Care Emergency Ultrasound. Pediatr Emerg Care 2022; 38:e1087-e1089. [PMID: 34507345 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000002529] [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: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Amyand hernia is a rare type of inguinal hernia defined by the presence of the appendix in the inguinal hernia sac. Clinical diagnosis of Amyand hernia can be challenging because this diagnosis is typically made intraoperatively, often as an incidental finding. Preoperative diagnosis by computed tomography and radiology ultrasound has previously been reported; however, there exists no reports of the diagnosis being made by point-of-care ultrasound. We present a case of Amyand hernia visible on point-of-care ultrasound performed by a pediatric emergency medicine physician.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Chiang
- From the Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital/Columbia University Irving Medical Center
| | - Joshua Belfer
- From the Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital/Columbia University Irving Medical Center
| | - Meredith A Baker
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, New York, NY
| | - Lorraine Ng
- From the Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital/Columbia University Irving Medical Center
| | - Daniel Fenster
- From the Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital/Columbia University Irving Medical Center
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Mundell BF, Fattahi S, Traynor MD, Blazejak D, Puig C, Roskos P, Heying J, Sunnock W, Hunchis J, Dholakia R, Borah B, Mannenbach M, Klinkner DB. The appendicitis algorithm five years later: Variability remains. SURGERY IN PRACTICE AND SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sipas.2022.100058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
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Becker BA, Kaminstein D, Secko M, Collin M, Kehrl T, Reardon L, Stahlman BA. A prospective, multicenter evaluation of point-of-care ultrasound for appendicitis in the emergency department. Acad Emerg Med 2022; 29:164-173. [PMID: 34420255 DOI: 10.1111/acem.14378] [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: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The main objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) for the diagnosis of appendicitis in a general emergency department (ED) population as performed by emergency physicians with variable ultrasound experience. METHODS We performed a prospective, multicenter, observational study examining a convenience sample of adult patients with potential appendicitis presenting to the ED between July 2014 and February 2020. Each emergency physician-performed POCUS was interpreted at the bedside and retrospectively by an expert reviewer. Test characteristics were calculated for POCUS and blinded expert interpretation compared to surgical pathology in patients undergoing appendectomy and advanced imaging in patients managed nonoperatively. RESULTS A total of 256 subjects were included in the primary analysis with an overall appendicitis prevalence of 28.1%. For the diagnosis of appendicitis, POCUS demonstrated an overall sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio of 0.85 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.74 to 0.92), 0.63 (95% CI = 0.56 to 0.70), 2.29 (95% CI = 1.85 to 2.84), and 0.24 (95% CI = 0.14 to 0.42), respectively. Expert review yielded a lower sensitivity (0.74 [95% CI = 0.62 to 0.83]) with a similar specificity (0.63 [95% CI = 0.56 to 0.70]). CONCLUSION POCUS is moderately accurate for acute appendicitis as performed by emergency physicians with a wide range of ultrasound expertise, but lacks adequate sensitivity and specificity to function as a definitive test in an undifferentiated ED population. Further study is warranted to elucidate the optimal role of integrated POCUS in the general approach to suspected appendicitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brent A. Becker
- Department of Emergency Medicine Wellspan York Hospital York Pennsylvania USA
| | - Daniel Kaminstein
- Department of Emergency Medicine Wellspan York Hospital York Pennsylvania USA
| | - Michael Secko
- Department of Emergency Medicine Stony Brook University Hospital Stony Brook New York USA
| | - Mark Collin
- Department of Emergency Medicine Wellspan York Hospital York Pennsylvania USA
| | - Thompson Kehrl
- Department of Emergency Medicine Wellspan York Hospital York Pennsylvania USA
| | - Lindsay Reardon
- Department of Emergency Medicine Stony Brook University Hospital Stony Brook New York USA
| | - Barbara A. Stahlman
- Department of Emergency Medicine Wellspan York Hospital York Pennsylvania USA
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McGinness A, Lin-Martore M, Addo N, Shaahinfar A. The unmet demand for point-of-care ultrasound among general pediatricians: a cross-sectional survey. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2022; 22:7. [PMID: 34980087 PMCID: PMC8722332 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-021-03072-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a noninvasive bedside tool with many pediatric applications but is not currently a formal part of pediatric training and practice. Formal surveys of general pediatricians regarding POCUS training are lacking. We aimed to quantify the baseline ultrasound experience and training needs of general pediatricians and pediatric residents across different practice settings. METHODS In 2020, we sent an online survey to 485 current faculty, residents, and graduates from an urban pediatric academic medical center in Northern California. Pediatric subspecialists were excluded. Survey questions about baseline experience, comfort, and perceived usefulness of 20 common POCUS applications were developed by two POCUS experts using existing literature. Chi-squared analysis was used to compare residents versus attendings and to compare attendings practicing in inpatient versus outpatient versus mixed settings. RESULTS Response rate was 20% (98/485). Compared to attendings (n = 73), residents (n = 25) endorsed more exposure to POCUS in medical school (32% vs 5%, p = 0.003) and residency (12% vs 5%, p = 0.003). Respondents endorsed low comfort with POCUS (mean 1.3 out of 5 on Likert scale). Of 20 procedural and diagnostic applications, respondents identified abscess drainage, bladder catheterization, soft tissue, neck, advanced abdominal, and constipation as most useful. Overall, 50% of pediatricians (and 70% of pediatric residents) responded that there were opportunities to use POCUS multiple times a week or more in their clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS There is an unmet demand for POCUS training among general pediatricians and trainees in our study. Although the majority of respondents were not POCUS users, our results could guide future efforts to study the role of POCUS in general pediatrics and develop pediatric curricula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anelah McGinness
- Department of Graduate Medical Education, PGY-3 resident, University of California San Francisco Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, 747 52nd Street, Suite 245, Oakland, CA 94609 USA
| | - Margaret Lin-Martore
- Departments of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, 5150 16th St, Box 0632, San Francisco, CA 94143 USA
| | - Newton Addo
- Departments of Medicine and Emergency Medicine, 1001 Potrero Ave, Box 1220, San Francisco, CA 94143 USA
| | - Ashkon Shaahinfar
- Departments of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, University of California San Francisco, 747 52nd Street, ED Trailer 3, Oakland, CA 94609 USA
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