Appendicitis in children with parasitic infestations

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to increase the physicians' awareness of parasitic appendicitis by investigation to give proper management to the parasitic infestation and to avoid morbidity and mortality of this infestation. Between January 1997 and January 2000, 230 children with clinically diagnosed acute appendicitis and 50 children with clinically diagnosed recurrent appendicitis [mean age 8 years, range 6-14] were admitted to El-Hussein and Sayed Galal Hospitals for appendectomy. All patients received specific treatment for the parasitic infestation they had and were followed clinically and by urine or stool until they were free. The results have demonstrated that the parasitic infestation in pediatric age group has a risk factor in the pathogenesis of acute or recurrent appendicitis. So, this study strongly recommended the histopathological study for the removed appendix after either emergency or interval appendectomy as a critical component of the complete management of this entity