A case-control study of acute appendicitis and diet in children.
The diets of 53 Southampton children who had had appendicitis were compared with those of two sets of age-sex matched controls using a seven-day weighed food record. One set of controls comprised classmates of the cases; the other was a random sample of all schoolchildren in the city. The cases weighed less and were shorter in height; they had lower intakes of energy, all the main nutrients and water. The differences in weight and water intake were statistically significant. Low water intake was identified as a risk factor independent of other factors. Consumption of dietary fibre from cereals and vegetables in relation to total energy intake and body weight was similar in cases and controls.
Nelson
M
M
MRC Enviromental Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital.
Morris
J
J
Barker
D J
DJ
Simmonds
S
S
D000208:Acute Disease; D000886:Anthropometry; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000209:etiology*; D002648:Child; D003625:Data Collection; D004032:Diet / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004326:Drinking; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors