Management of post appendicectomy intra-abdominal collections: A volumetric cut off for drainage?

Background: Intra-abdominal collections (IAC) are a common complication following appendicectomy, one of the most commonly performed emergency abdominal procedures in childhood. The option to drain a collection is frequently available but not always required.

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of medically and procedurally-managed post appendicectomy IACs and suggest a method of standardising the need for intervention.

C-reactive protein/albumin ratio is a prognostic indicator for predicting surgical intervention and mortality in neonates with necrotizing enterocolitis.

Purpose: The role of hypoalbuminemia and raised C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in predicting critical prognosis has been described extensively in adult literature. However, there are limited studies in pediatrics, particularly neonates. The CRP/albumin (CRP/ALB) ratio is often associated with higher mortality, organ failure and prolonged hospital stay.

Low serum albumin concentration predicts the need for surgical intervention in neonates with necrotizing enterocolitis.

Purpose: To investigate whether serum albumin (SA) concentration can predict the need for surgical intervention in neonates with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).

Methods: Retrospective review of all cases with NEC Bell's stage 2 and 3 that were treated in a single center between 2009 and 2015. Data on patient demographics, clinical parameters, laboratory findings and surgical status were recorded.