[Analysis of risk factors for the development of pediatric appendicitis].

BACKGROUND

Appendicitis is the most common form of abdominal pain requiring surgery among children. This study evaluates the association of age, sex, seasonal, and familial factors with the histopathology of appendectomies.

METHODS

588 patients who underwent operations for acute appendicitis between 2009 and 2011 were included in this study. The patients were classified in one of three groups based on histopathological results: acute, perforated, and negative appendectomy. This study evaluates the association between age, sex, seasonal, and familial factors and the histopathological classification.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 11.8±3.26 years (range 1 to 16 years). Among these patients, appendicitis was 2.41 times more common in children greater than 10 years old. Appendicitis occurred 4.63 times more often among males than in females. Negative appendectomy occurred more often in children greater than 10 years of age. Appendicitis was associated with both seasonal factors and family history; however this association did not meet the threshold for statistical significance (p>0.05).

DISCUSSION: The age and sex of the patient should be taken into account when considering appendicitis surgery to improve the accuracy of the diagnosis. In addition, the histopathology of appendicitis is influenced by familial and environmental factors.