The Effect Of Current And Previous Novel Coronavirus 2019 Infection On Diagnosis And Complication Rate Of Acute Appendicitis

ABSTRACT

Background: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was identified as the RNA virus causing 'Coronavirus Disease 2019' (COVID -19). Diagnostic test of choice had varying degree of sensitivity, with serology test being of use in giving idea on the timing of the infection. This pandemic associated with delay in providing care to many surgical emergencies, with more complicated presentations found. Aim of study To estimate the effect of current and previous COVID 19 infections on the diagnosis and rate of complications of acute appendicitis. Patients & methods: A prospective case control study was conducted at Al-Kindy teaching hospital department of general surgery over 18 months The studied sample were collected from all admitted patients suffering from signs of acute appendicitis and had positive serology test result for COVID 19. Other 100 cases of appendicitis without COVID 19 symptoms and negative serology and polymerase chain reaction considered control group. According to the serology results the case group further divided into previous infection and current infection. Result(s) Two hundred fifteen cases were included in our study 19.1% had current infection, 34.4% had previous infection, 46.5% the control group. Cases of COVID 19 had increased duration of symptoms before seeking medical care. This duration was single independent predictor of the development of perforated appendicitis. While readmission rate was higher in cases of COVID 19 and this related to the complications of appendicitis other than COVID 19 infection. COVID 19 infection was single independent predictor of increased hospital stay. Conclusion(s) COVID 19 infection per se not associated with increase in complication rate. It was associated with delayed in seeking medical care. Copyright © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.