title: Appendicitis during pregnancy.
abstract: Appendicitis during pregnancy is a serious medical condition that requires diagnostic accuracy. If diagnosis is delayed, there is an increased incidence of perforation and peritonitis, which can lead to fetal and maternal mortality and morbidity. Since appendicitis is the leading reason for surgery during pregnancy, healthcare providers must be aware of the signs and symptoms of this disease (Allen, Helling, & Langenfeld, 1989; Weingold, 1983). Pregnancy often blunts the symptoms, making diagnosis difficult (Sharp, 1994; Weingold, 1983). This article discusses the incidence of appendicitis in pregnancy, the signs and symptoms, as well as laboratory and radiologic tests used in diagnosis. The risks to the mother and fetus, along with surgical and medical interventions, are also discussed.
authors.affiliation: Unity and Health System and School of Nursing, University of Missouri, St. Louis, USA.
authors.forename: R C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Musselman
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Nunnelee
authors.forename: D B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Ware
mesh_terms: D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000209:etiology; D000855:Anorexia / Q000209:etiology; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001062:Appendectomy; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005334:Fever / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D009325:Nausea / Q000209:etiology; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D015145:Tocolysis / Q000379:methods; D014839:Vomiting / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents