The Association Between C-Reactive Protein Levels and Pediatric Appendicitis Score and the Severity of Appendicitis in Children.

Background: Acute appendicitis is a common cause of abdominal pain leading to emergent abdominal surgery in children. C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammatory marker typically elevated in acute appendicitis, and Pediatric Appendicitis Score (PAS), a clinical scoring system used for the diagnosis of appendicitis, have the potential to predict the severity of inflammation of the appendix. This may be useful in helping the physician make a treatment plan prior to surgery.

Impact of In-Hospital Timing to Appendectomy on Perforation Rates in Children with Appendicitis.

Background: There is controversy regarding whether in-hospital time delay to appendectomy in children with appendicitis affects risk for perforation.

Objective: Our aim was to evaluate the impact of time delay from emergency department (ED) presentation to operating room (OR) appendectomy on rates of developing appendiceal perforation in children who present with computed tomography (CT)-confirmed, uncomplicated (no radiographic evidence of perforation) appendicitis.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective case review of 248 consecutive children aged ≤18 years with CT-confirmed uncomplicated appendicitis during a 4-year period.