Periappendiceal Abscess in a Pre-Term Neonate

ABSTRACT

Acute appendicitis is a common occurrence in childhood. It is very rare in newborns, so it misses the appropriate diagnosis time. Peritonitis due to perforation of acute appendicitis is the cause of death. We report the case of periappendiceal abscess of female premature baby on the age of 23 weeks and 3 days. The baby has abdominal distension and irritability, and she did not respond to antibiotics and conservative treatment. No abnormal findings were found on simple plain radiography and ultrasonography on the abdomen. The clinical manifestations did not improve in spite of conservative care - antibiotics, nasogastric decompression. So diagnostic laparotomy was done. On operation, panperitonitis was found which may be caused by periappendiceal abscess. After ileocecectomy the patient was recovered and gained weight to 2,050 gram. Appendicitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis for a neonate with abdominal distension and bilious vomiting and needs strong clinical suspicion.