Appendicitis in children less than 5 years old: influence of age on presentation and outcome

PurposeAppendicitis is the most common emergency surgical condition of the abdomen in children. This study sought to delineate the presentation and the outcome of appendicitis in children younger than 5 years old.MethodsA retrospective review was conducted of all children younger than 5 years of age who underwent appendectomy for acute appendicitis over a 12-year period.ResultsOne thousand eight hundred thirty-six patients younger than 19 years of age underwent appendectomy. Two hundred eighty-one children with an age range of 6 months to 4.9 years were included in this study. Perforation rates were higher in the younger patients (86% <1 year, 74% 1–1.9 years, 60% 2–2.9 years, 64% 3–3.9 years, and 49% 4–4.9 years), but the youngest children had fewer postoperative abscesses.ConclusionsIn children less than 5 years old with appendicitis, age has a direct correlation to the stage of disease. The youngest children present with more advanced appendicitis but are less likely to develop postoperative abscesses.