Fatalities from undetected appendicitis in early childhood.
A survey of unexpected death in children 1 to 5 years of age in a defined community over a 9-year period revealed three deaths, representing 4.5 deaths per million at risk per year. These cases were preceded by recognized prodromal symptoms, yet proper diagnosis did not occur and prompt therapy was not instituted. A higher index of suspicion, improved attention to early symptoms, and decreased therapeutic delay are suggested to prevent these deaths.
Neuspiel
D R
DR
Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Kuller
L H
LH
D001064:Appendicitis / Q000150:complications / Q000401:mortality*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality; D008297:Male; D010414:Pennsylvania; D012422:Rupture, Spontaneous