The Particulars: Researchers have hypothesized that pediatric appendicitis perforation rates may be related to age, general surgical care availability, and distance from pediatric surgical care. However, this hypothesis has yet to be confirmed in a study.
Data Breakdown: Among nearly 7,000 pediatric surgical patients included in a study, about one-quarter had an appendicitis perforation. Children ages 0 to 12 were at higher odds of appendiceal perforation when compared with those aged 12 to 18. Children who were transferred to another facility or who resided in counties with less than three general surgeons per 100,000 population were most likely to have a perforated appendix.
Take Home Pearl: Younger age, requiring a transfer to another facility, and residing in areas with fewer general surgeons appear to be associated with higher odds of appendiceal perforation among pediatric patients.
