The outcome of critically ill neonates undergoing laparotomy for necrotising enterocolitis in the neonatal intensive care unit: a 10-year review

Purpose

To evaluate outcomes in critically ill neonates with necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) undergoing a laparotomy in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Methods

This is a retrospective review of neonates diagnosed with NEC who underwent a laparotomy on NICU between 2001 and 2011. Demographic, diagnostic, operative and outcome data were analysed. Nonparametric comparison was used. Data are reported as median (range).

Results

221 infants with NEC were referred for surgical evaluation; 182 (82%) underwent surgery; 15 (8%) required a laparotomy on NICU. Five had NEC totalis, 4 multifocal disease and 6 focal disease. Five had an open and close laparotomy, 8 stoma with/without bowel resection and 2 bowel resection and primary anastomosis. Ten (67%) died at a median of 6.5-hours (2–72) postoperatively; 2 died at 72 and 264-days. The 30-day mortality rate was higher (p = 0.01) among infants undergoing a laparotomy on NICU (10/15; 67%) than in theatre (54/167; 32%). There was no significant difference in mean Paediatric Index of Mortality 2 Scores between survivors and nonsurvivors (p = 0.55). Three (20%) infants remain alive with no or minimal disability at 1.4 (0.5–7.5) years.

Conclusion

Laparotomy for NEC on NICU is a treatment option for neonates who are too unstable to transfer to theatre. However, with 67% dying within 6.5-hours and a further 13% after months in hospital, we must consider whether surgery is always in their best interests. Development of a prediction model to help distinguish those at highest risk of long-term morbidity and mortality could help with decision making in this difficult situation.     

Prognostic value of abdominal sonography in necrotizing enterocolitis of premature infants born before 33 weeks gestational age

Objective

The purpose of this study was to assess the prognostic value of abdominal sonography in necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants with a gestational age less than 33 weeks of gestation, using surgery and/or death as the primary outcome and stenosis as the secondary outcome.

Methods

A retrospective study of 95 premature infants (mean gestational age: 28.6 weeks), presenting with NEC between January 2009 and November 2011 and who underwent plain abdominal radiography and sonography, was performed. In uni- and multivariate analyses, radiographic and sonographic findings were correlated with complications (‘surgery and/or death’ and ‘stenosis’).

Results

Sonographic findings of free intraperitoneal air (odd ratio [OR] = 8.0; IC, 1.4–44.2), free abdominal fluid (OR 3.5; IC 1.3–9.4), portal venous gas (OR 3.9; IC, 1.2–12.9), and bowel wall thickening (OR 2.8; IC,1.1–7.2) were significantly associated with surgery and/or death. Intramural gas was significantly correlated (OR = 11.8; IC, 1.5–95.8) with intestinal stenosis following NEC. None of the radiographic findings were associated with complications.

Conclusion

Abdominal sonography is a reliable tool for the prognostic assessment of NEC in preterm infants.     

Bowel symptoms in children with anorectal malformation — a follow-up with a gender and age perspective

Background

Gender specific outcome for children with anorectal malformations (ARM) is rarely reported although it is important for medical care and in parent counseling.

Purpose

To assess bowel function according to the Krickenbeck system in relation to ARM-subtype, gender and age.

Method

All children born with ARM in 1998–2008 and referred to two centers in two different countries were followed up. The bowel function in 50 girls and 71 boys, median age 8 years, was analyzed.

Results

Among those with a perineal fistula, incontinence occurred in 42% of the females and in 10% of the males (p = 0.005) whereas constipation occurred in 62% of the females and 35% of the males (p < 0.001). No bowel symptoms differed between the females with perineal and vestibular fistulas (p > 0.3 for every symptom). Sacral malformations were associated with incontinence only in males with rectourethral fistulas. Constipation among the males differed between the age groups: 58% versus 26% (p = 0.013). Bowel symptoms did not change with age among the females.

Conclusion

Gender differences in outcome for children with ARM must be considered. Males with perineal fistulas had less incontinence and constipation than the females with perineal fistulas. The females with perineal and vestibular fistulas had similar outcomes.     

Is early delivery beneficial in gastroschisis?

Purpose

Gastroschisis neonates have delayed time to full enteral feeds (ENT), possibly due to bowel exposure to amniotic fluid. We investigated whether delivery at < 37 weeks improves neonatal outcomes of gastroschisis and impact of intra/extra-abdominal bowel dilatation (IABD/EABD).

Methods

A retrospective review of gastroschisis (1992–2012) linked fetal/neonatal data at 2 tertiary referral centers was performed. Primary outcomes were ENT and length of hospital stay (LOS). Data (median [range]) were analyzed using parametric/non-parametric tests, positive/negative predictive values, and regression analysis.

Results

Two hundred forty-six patients were included. Thirty-two were complex (atresia/necrosis/perforation/stenosis). ENT (p < 0.0001) and LOS (p < 0.0001) were reduced with increasing gestational age. IABD persisted to last scan in 92 patients, 68 (74%) simple (intact/uncompromised bowel), 24 (26%) complex. IABD or EABD diameter in complex patients was not significantly greater than simple gastroschisis. Combined IABD/EABD was present in 22 patients (14 simple, 8 complex). When present at < 30 weeks, the positive predictive value for complex gastroschisis was 75%. Two patients with necrosis and one atresia had IABD and collapsed extra-abdominal bowel from < 30 weeks.

Conclusion

Early delivery is associated with prolonged ENT/LOS, suggesting elective delivery at < 37 weeks is not beneficial. Combined IABD/EABD or IABD/collapsed extra-abdominal bowel is suggestive of complex gastroschisis.     

Primary malignant pancreatic neoplasms in children and adolescents: A 20 year experience

Background

Malignant pancreatic neoplasms in children and adolescents are rare. The clinical presentation, pathologic characteristics, management, and outcomes at two institutions are discussed.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all pediatric patients (age < = 18 years) treated for malignant pancreatic neoplasms at two institutions between 1991 and 2011.

Results

Thirty-one patients were identified with median age of 14.7 years (4–18 years). The most common histology was solid pseudopapillary tumor (SPT) (n = 22, 71%) followed by neuroendocrine tumors (n = 4, 13%), pancreatoblastoma (n = 4, 13%), and one unclassified spindle cell neoplasm (3%). Most patients presented with abdominal pain (n = 22, 71%). Complications included pancreatic leak, pseudocyst formation, pancreatitis, pancreatic insufficiency, and small bowel obstruction. The overall 1- and 5-year survival was 96% (95% CI 74%–99%) and 78% (95% CI 43%–93%). Median follow-up among patients alive at the end of follow-up was 20 months (< 1 month–16.2 years). Patients with SPT had better overall survival compared to patients with neuroendocrine tumors or pancreatoblastomas (Log-rank; p = 0.0143).

Conclusion

The majority of pediatric and adolescent patients present with SPTs which are usually resectable and associated with an excellent prognosis. Other histologic subtypes more often present with distant metastases and portend a worse prognosis.     

Surgical site infections in infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit

Background

Surgical interventions are common in infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Despite our awareness of the broad impact of surgical site infection (SSI), there are little data in neonates. Our objective was to determine the rate and clinical impact of SSI in infants admitted to the NICU.

Methods

Provincial population-based study of infants admitted to a tertiary care NICU. SSI, explicitly defined, was included if it occurred within 30 days of a skin/mucosal-breaking surgical intervention.

Results

Among 724 infants who underwent 1039 surgical interventions very low birth weight (VLBW) infants were over-represented. The overall SSI rate was 4.3 per 100 interventions [CI 95% 3.2 to 5.7], up to 19 per 100 dirty interventions (wound class 4) [CI 95% 4.0 to 46]. Rates were higher in infants following gastroschisis closure (13 per 100 infants [CI 95% 5.8 to 24]), whereas they were generally low following a ligation of a ductus arteriosus. Infants with SSI required longer hospitalization after adjusting for co-morbidities (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Data from this relatively large contemporary study suggest that SSI rates in the NICU setting are more comparable to the pediatric age group. However, VLBW infants and those undergoing gastroschisis closure represent high risk groups.     

Tracheotomy after laryngotracheopasty: Risk factors over 10 years

Background

Subglottic stenosis (SGS) is the most common congenital and/or acquired laryngotracheal anomaly requiring tracheotomy in infants. We sought to determine factors associated with a greater likelihood of tracheotomy in symptomatic infants with SGS who underwent laryngotracheoplasty (LTP).

Methods

Retrospective case series with chart review of patients undergoing single-stage LTP for SGS over a 10-year period (2001–2010) in a tertiary-care pediatric hospital.

Results

Twenty-two children (15 boys, 7 girls), with a mean gestational age of 32.5 weeks, underwent LTP with and without interpositional grafting, at a median age of 89 days. Ten patients (43%) required postoperative tracheotomy. Of patients weighing < 2.5 kg, 7 of 8 eventually required tracheotomy, while none weighing > 5 kg needed tracheotomy (p = 0.003). The average length of stay for patients with a tracheotomy was 125 days, while those without tracheotomy required only 58 days (p = 0.011). The grade of SGS (p = 0.809), gender (p = 0.968), age at surgery (p = 0.178), and gestational age (p = 0.117) were not significantly associated with the need for tracheotomy. Weight at surgery was significantly correlated with the likelihood of needing tracheotomy (p = 0.003).

Conclusions

Patients who weighed less than 2.5 kg at the time of LTP procedures were more likely to require a postoperative tracheotomy. Children who required tracheotomy had longer lengths of hospital stay.     

Initial bladder closure of the cloacal exstrophy complex: Outcome related risk factors and keys to success

Purpose

This study examines a large single-institution experience with cloacal exstrophy patients, analyzing patient demographics and surgical strategies predictive of bladder closure outcomes.

Methods

One hundred patients with cloacal exstrophy were identified. Complete closure history including demographics, operative history, and outcomes was available on 60 patients. Twenty-six patients with a history of failed initial bladder closure were compared to 34 with a history of successful initial bladder closure. Univariate logistic regression analysis was used to compare the two groups.

Results

Median follow up time after initial closure was 9 years (range: 13 months-29 years). A 1 cm increase in pre-closure diastasis resulted in a 2.64 increase in the odds of initial closure failure (p = 0.004). Protective strategies against failure included delaying closure (per month) (OR = 0.894, p = 0.009), employing pelvic osteotomies (OR = 0.095, p < 0.001), and applying external fixation (OR = 0.024; p = 0.001). Among patients who underwent osteotomy (31% of patients in the failed group, 82% in the successful group), a longer delay between osteotomy and closure (OR = 0.033; p = 0.005) was also protective against failure.

Conclusion

Patients with a large diastasis are more likely to fail initial closure. Delaying initial closure for at least 3 months, performing pelvic osteotomy, and using an external fixation device post-operatively are strategies that improve closure success.     

Outcome of CDH infants following fetoscopic tracheal occlusion — influence of premature delivery

Purpose

To evaluate the mortality and morbidity of infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia who had undergone fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion (FETO) and whether this was influenced by premature birth.

Methods

The gestational age at delivery, lung–head ratio (LHR) pre and post FETO, neonatal outcomes, and respiratory, gastro-intestinal, neurological, surgical, and musculoskeletal problems at follow up of consecutive infants who had undergone FETO were determined. Elective reversal of FETO was planned at 34 weeks of gestation.

Results

The survival rate of the 61 FETO infants was 48%, with 84% delivered prematurely. Thirty-one delivered < 35 weeks of gestation. Their survival rate was 18%. Twenty-three of 24 infants who had emergency balloon removal were born < 35 weeks of gestation. Survival was related to gestational age at delivery (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.420, 0.77, p < 0.001) and the duration of FETO (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.59, 0.91, p < 0.005). Infants born prior to 35 weeks of gestation compared to those born at ≥ 35 weeks required a longer duration of ventilation (median 45 days versus 12 days, p < 0.001), and a greater proportion had surgery for gastro-oesophageal reflux (50% versus 9%, p = 0.011).

Conclusion

These results emphasize the need to reduce premature delivery following FETO.     

Alvimopan Accelerates Gastrointestinal Recovery After Radical Cystectomy: A Multicenter Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

Background

Radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer is frequently associated with delayed gastrointestinal (GI) recovery that prolongs hospital length of stay (LOS).

Objective

To assess the efficacy of alvimopan to accelerate GI recovery after RC.

Design, setting, and participants

We conducted a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial in patients undergoing RC and receiving postoperative intravenous patient-controlled opioid analgesics.

Intervention

Oral alvimopan 12 mg (maximum: 15 inpatient doses) versus placebo.

Outcome measurements and statistical analysis

The two-component primary end point was time to upper (first tolerance of solid food) and lower (first bowel movement) GI recovery (GI-2). Time to discharge order written, postoperative LOS, postoperative ileus (POI)-related morbidity, opioid consumption, and adverse events (AEs) were evaluated. An independent adjudication of cardiovascular AEs was performed.

Results and limitations

Patients were randomized to alvimopan (n = 143) or placebo (n = 137); 277 patients were included in the modified intention-to-treat population. The alvimopan cohort experienced quicker GI-2 recovery (5.5 vs 6.8 d; hazard ratio: 1.8; p < 0.0001), shorter mean LOS (7.4 vs 10.1 d; p = 0.0051), and fewer episodes of POI-related morbidity (8.4% vs 29.1%; p < 0.001). The incidence of opioid consumption and AEs or serious AEs (SAEs) was comparable except for POI, which was lower in the alvimopan group (AEs: 7% vs 26%; SAEs: 5% vs 20%, respectively). Cardiovascular AEs occurred in 8.4% (alvimopan) and 15.3% (placebo) of patients (p = 0.09). Generalizability may be limited due to the exclusion of epidural analgesia and the inclusion of mostly high-volume centers utilizing open laparotomy.

Conclusions

Alvimopan is a useful addition to a standardized care pathway in patients undergoing RC by accelerating GI recovery and shortening LOS, with a safety profile similar to placebo.

Patient summary

This study examined the effects of alvimopan on bowel recovery in patients undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder cancer. Patients receiving alvimopan experienced quicker bowel recovery and had a shorter hospital stay compared with those who received placebo, with comparable safety.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT00708201     

High surgical burden for infants with severe chronic lung disease (sCLD)

Background/purpose

Infants with severe chronic lung disease (sCLD) may require surgical procedures to manage their medical problems; however, the scope of these interventions is undefined. The purpose of this study was to characterize the frequency, type, and timing of operative interventions performed in hospitalized infants with sCLD.

Methods

The Children's Hospital Neonatal Database was used to identify infants with sCLD from 24 children’s hospital’s NICUs hospitalized over a recent 16-month period.

Results

556 infants were diagnosed with sCLD; less than 3% of infants had operations prior to referral and 30% were referred for surgical evaluation. In contrast, 71% of all sCLD infants received ≥ 1 surgical procedure during the CHND NICU hospitalization, with a mean of 3 operations performed per infant. Gastrostomy insertion (24%), fundoplication (11%), herniorrhaphy (13%), and tracheostomy placement (12%) were the most commonly performed operations. The timing of gastrostomy (PMA 48 ± 10 wk) and tracheostomy (PMA 47 ± 7 wk) insertions varied, and for infants who received both devices, only 33% were inserted concurrently (13/40 infants).

Conclusions

A striking majority of infants with sCLD received multiple surgical procedures during hospitalizations at participating NICUs. Further work regarding the timing, coordination, perioperative complications, and clinical outcomes for these infants is warranted.     

Robotic Partial Nephrectomy for Renal Tumors Larger Than 4 cm

Background

Minimally invasive partial nephrectomy (PN) is most commonly performed for renal tumors ≤4 cm in size. Robotic PN (RPN) for tumors >4 cm has not been assessed.

Objective

To evaluate the safety and feasibility of RPN for tumors >4 cm in the context of patients undergoing RPN for tumors ≤4 cm.

Design, setting, and participants

We reviewed data for 71 consecutive patients who underwent transperitoneal RPN at a tertiary care center between August 2007 and September 2009 by a single surgeon. Patients were stratified into two groups: 15 with tumors >4 cm on preoperative imaging (group 1) and 56 patients with tumors ≤4 cm (group 2).

Intervention

All patients underwent transperitoneal RPN by a single surgeon.

Measurements

Preoperative, perioperative, pathologic, and functional outcomes data were analyzed and compared between groups. We used χ² and student t tests for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results and limitations

Mean radiographic tumor size was 5.0 cm (4.1–7.9) for group 1 and 2.1 cm (0.7–3.8) for group 2. No significant differences were found between groups for estimated blood loss, total operative time, hospital stay, complication rates, and change in estimated glomerular filtration rate. Patients with larger tumors had longer median warm ischemia times (25 vs 20 min; p = 0.011). Limitations of our study include the retrospective nature the analysis, small sample size, and single-surgeon experience.

Conclusions

In our initial experience, RPN for tumors >4 cm is safe and feasible, showing comparable outcomes to RPN for smaller tumors, although with longer warm ischemia times. Future studies with extended follow-up are necessary to determine the viability of RPN for large tumors as an effective form of treatment.     

“Is the length of time in acute burn surgery associated with poorer outcomes?”

Background

Acute wound closure surgery improves outcomes, after burn particularly mortality, but also imposes physiological stress on the patient. The duration of surgery is associated with adverse outcomes in other populations. This study aimed to examine if extended acute burn surgery duration was associated with poorer in-hospital outcomes.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included adult burn patients who required a single wound closure surgery at Royal Perth Hospital between 2004 and 2011. Multivariable regression analyses were used to assess the influence of patient and injury factors on surgery duration and length of stay (LOS).

Results

Surgery duration independently increased LOS (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.004, p < 0.001). This translates to a predicted 13% increase in LOS for a 30 min increase in surgery ‘knife to skin’ time. Total body surface area (TBSA) was identified as a significant predictor of surgery duration (IRR = 1.047, p < 0.001), estimating that a 10% TBSA increase results in a 59% increase in surgery duration.

Conclusion

The results show that surgery duration is associated with LOS after adjusting for size of burn and other factors. The study justifies the need to explore strategies to reduce acute burn surgery duration.     

Fast-track management is safe and effective after bowel resection in children with Crohn's disease

Background

“Fast-track” management (FT) challenges traditional postoperative tenets in order to minimize discomfort and optimize inpatient care. We examined the outcomes of consecutively performed laparoscopic-assisted ileocecectomy for Crohn's disease (CD), with particular focus on FT's effects in patients with underlying bowel inflammation.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all patients undergoing isolated laparoscopic-assisted ileocecectomy for CD at our institution between 12/2000 and 12/2010, excluding patients with multiple areas of surgical CD, bladder involvement, or age > 18 years.

Results

Seventy-one patients aged 8–18 years underwent isolated laparoscopic-assisted ileocecectomy for CD, of which 45 met FT criteria. Individual practice patterns primarily determined which patients were FT-managed. FT management led to decreased length of stay (LOS), time to first stool, time to full diet, and intravenous narcotic use. No significant difference in complications or disease progression was observed between the two groups during 2-year follow up.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that FT is safe and effective in patients with CD. In a chronically ill population, counseling patients and families to expect early discharge is critical to the success of this strategy. Despite CD-related GI pathology, FT patients realized benefits in terms of LOS, time to bowel function, and narcotic use without any increase in complications.     

Human milk fortifier: An occult cause of bowel obstruction in extremely premature neonates

Background

Human milk fortifier (HMF) is used in neonatal units throughout North America to facilitate growth of preterm infants. Little data is available on the gastrointestinal side effects and potential adverse events. The purpose of this paper was to present a series of infants presenting with bowel obstruction associated with HMF.

Methods

Cases of HMF obstruction were collected between January 2010 and December 2012. Charts were reviewed and relevant data was collected.

Results

During the study period, 7 premature infants presented with bowel obstruction secondary to intestinal concretions of HMF. All babies were premature with gestational ages from 25 to 27 weeks. Birth weight was less than 1000 grams in all patients. Patients presented with feeding intolerance, bilious aspirates, abdominal distension, and obstipation. Four of the patients presented with acute deterioration and required urgent surgical intervention.

Conclusions

HMF is an important source of nutritional support in infants, which is felt to be safe. We present a series of infants where its use has resulted in significant complications. HMF should be used with caution in infants, especially those with a history of necrotizing enterocolitis. Further research should examine the calcium, protein, and fatty acid concentration tolerable in the gastrointestinal tract of infants.     

Feasibility of Robotic Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Partial Nephrectomy for Renal Tumors >4 cm

Background

Laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) urologic procedures have gained significant interest worldwide in an attempt to further reduce morbidity and minimize scarring associated with conventional laparoscopic surgery. The robotic technology has overcome some of the limitations of manual single-incision surgery relating to lack of triangulation, instrument collision, and surgical exposure. There are no data on robotic LESS partial nephrectomy (PN) for renal tumors >4 cm.

Objectives

To evaluate the feasibility of robotic LESS PN for renal tumors >4 cm.

Design, setting, and participants

Data from 67 consecutive patients who underwent robotic LESS PN were collected between May 2009 to January 2011.

Outcome measurements and statistical analysis

Patients were stratified into two groups: 20 patients with renal tumors >4 cm (group 1) and 47 patients with renal tumors ≤4 cm (group 2). Perioperative data were recorded and comparisons between the two groups were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables and Fisher exact test for categorical variables.

Results and limitations

No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in demographic information, operative complications, pathologic characteristics, mean decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate, estimated blood loss, operative times, conversion rate, or positive surgical margins. However, group 1 had a higher mean nephrometry score (p < 0.01), longer warm ischemia time (p = 0.007), and longer length of stay (p = 0.046). Its retrospective design and being conducted at a single center were the main limitations of this study.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the feasibility and safety of robotic LESS PN for tumors >4 cm. Patients with tumors >4 cm had a statistically significant, higher mean nephrometry score, longer warm ischemia time, and longer length of stay, but there was no increased risk of adverse outcomes. A long-term study is needed to confirm the durable renal preservation and oncologic outcomes for patients with larger tumor burden.     

Determinants of wait time for infant inguinal hernia repair in a Canadian children’s hospital

Background

Longer wait time for infant inguinal hernia (IH) repair is associated with higher complication rates. We wished to determine if socioeconomic and demographic factors influence wait times for IH repair.

Methods

Children < 2 years old with IH at a Canadian children’s hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Days from diagnosis to surgical consultation (W1) and from consultation to repair (W2) were collected along with demographic, medical, and socioeconomic data. Linear regression analysis was performed.

Results

A total of 131 patients were appropriate for analysis (82.4% male). Median distance to hospital was 27.5 km (IQR = 10.5–50.4) and median income was $34,477 (IQR = 30,127–41,986). Median W1, W2, and Wtotal (W1 + W2) were 24 (IQR = 8–48), 43 (IQR = 21–69) and 79 (IQR = 38–112) days, respectively. Wait times were shorter in infants who were male (p = 0.044), symptomatic (p < 0.001), diagnosed in the ED (p < 0.001), or had an incarcerated hernia (p = 0.006). They were longer for premature infants (p = 0.009) and those with significant comorbidities (p = 0.018). Neither income (p = 0.328) nor distance from hospital (p = 0.292) was associated with longer wait times.

Conclusion

Wait times for IH repair were appropriately influenced by medical risk factors. Income and distance to hospital did not appear to influence wait times. A population-based study is needed to determine if these findings reflect a general trend within the Canadian health care system.     

Pediatric appendicitis: The prevalence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome upon presentation and its association with clinical outcomes

Introduction

To our knowledge, the prevalence of Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) in pediatric patients with appendicitis has not been previously investigated. Our specific aim was to determine the prevalence of SIRS at the time of presentation of pediatric patients with appendicitis. Additionally, we sought to determine if the presence of SIRS had any value in predicting their clinical outcomes.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included pediatric patients (age < 17 years) presenting to a single hospital and being diagnosed with appendicitis between July 1, 2011, and June 30, 2012. The primary exposure variable of interest was SIRS, dichotomously defined as positive or negative. The primary outcome of interest was the presence/development of an intraabdominal abscess. The secondary outcome of interest was length of hospital stay (LOS). Chi-squared and t-tests were used to evaluate the association between presence of SIRS and development of abscess and LOS.

Results

This study consisted of 212 patients. The definition of SIRS was met in 66 patients (31.1%). Thirty of the 66 (45.6%) patients with SIRS had/developed an abscess versus 28 (19.2%) of those without SIRS (P < 0.001). Patients with SIRS had a mean LOS of 4 days (+/− 2.7), while those without SIRS stayed a mean of 2.5 days (+/− 2.3) [p < 0.0001]). Adjusting for age did not alter these associations.

Conclusion

Our study found a 31.1% prevalence of SIRS in pediatric patients presenting with appendicitis. Our results suggest these patients with SIRS have a significantly higher risk of having/developing an intraabdominal abscess (RR, 2.4; 95% CI: 1.6–3.6) and significantly longer LOS.