How did the Covid-19 pandemic affected children acute appendicitis?

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to reveal the changes in the clinical status and results of pediatric cases with acute appendicitis during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: The data of pediatric patients who underwent appendectomy for acute appendicitis between March 1 and May 31, 2019 (group B) and March 1 and May 31, 2020 (group A) in our city were reviewed retrospectively. All data were evaluated and the groups were statistically compared. Results: The mean age of group A (n=29, 9 female, 20 male) was 12.69 years, and the mean age of group B (n=65, 21 female, 44 male) was 11.12 years. It was found that the number of patients undergoing appendectomy decreased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the same period of the previous year. The mean duration of symptoms was significantly longer in group A compared to group B (p<0.001). The late admission rate was higher in Group A compared to Group B (p=0.012). While the mean white blood cell (WBC) count did not differ between the two groups, mean C-Reactive Protein (CRP) levels were significantly higher in group A compared to group B (p<0.001). Complicated appendicitis was observed in 7 patients in group A and 10 patients in group B (p=0.532). Duration of surgery was significantly higher in group A (49.82±19.09 min and 40.15±11.61 min). The rate of patients who underwent postoperative drainage was significantly higher In group A (4 patients) compared to group B (1 patient). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the number of patients with acute appendicitis who applied to our hospital decreased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the incidence of complicated appendicitis and more severe clinical symptoms increased due to late admission to healthcare institutions.