Meteorological factors and the risk of complicated appendicitis in pediatric patients: a nationwide multicenter study from Turkey.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of meteorological variables on the development of complicated appendicitis in pediatric patients with acute appendicitis in Turkey and to determine whether these associations differ across NUTS (Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics) regions.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This multicenter retrospective study included 4361 pediatric patients who underwent surgery for acute appendicitis in different NUTS regions of Turkey between 2023 and 2024. Patients were classified as uncomplicated (71.4%) or complicated (28.6%) appendicitis. Meteorological data, including temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, precipitation, and wind speed corresponding to the patients' operation dates, were obtained from the Turkish State Meteorological Service database. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square test, point-biserial correlation, ROC analysis, and univariable logistic regression. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

No significant nationwide association was observed between meteorological variables and the development of complicated appendicitis (p > 0.05). However, regional analyses demonstrated significant differences. In the Aegean region, increases in temperature, atmospheric pressure, and wind speed were associated with 2.3%, 1.7%, and 35.1% reductions in the risk of complicated appendicitis, respectively. In contrast, increases in atmospheric pressure and wind speed were associated with an increased complication risk in the Western Anatolia and Western Black Sea regions. In the Eastern Black Sea region, atmospheric pressure, and in Southeastern Anatolia, humidity and precipitation showed positive associations with complicated appendicitis risk.

CONCLUSION

Although meteorological variables were not associated with complicated appendicitis at the nationwide level, regional analyses revealed significant associations. These findings suggest that regional meteorological conditions may influence the risk of complicated appendicitis in children.