The incidence and temporal trend of appendicitis in children: An analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021.

Background: Challenges persist in the management of appendicitis in children, but its incidence and temporal trends have been reported in only a few developed countries. This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the incidence and temporal trends of appendicitis in children at the global, regional, and national levels, providing evidence for implementing and scaling up intervention services to reduce adverse health outcomes.

Methods: This study downloaded incidence data on appendicitis in children from the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) 2021. Data on number and rate of appendicitis in children were analyzed at the global, gender, age, sociodemographical, regional, and national levels. The percentage changes and average annual percentage changes were calculated. The association between the sociodemographic index (SDI) and incidence of appendicitis in children were also determined by Pearson correlation analysis.

Results: In 2021, the newly diagnosed appendicitis in children was estimated to be 2193020, accounting for 12.93% of all cases of appendicitis in the general population. The corresponding incidence rate was estimated to be 109 per 100000. From 1990 to 2021, the incidence of appendicitis in children increased by 0.3% annually. The incidence varied widely across regions and countries, while there was a significant positive association between the incidence rates (R=0.6620, P <0.001) and its percentage changes (R=0.2234, P=0.0013) of appendicitis in children and the SDI.

Conclusions: Appendicitis will continue to be a major public health challenge in children globally, especially in transitioning countries and regions. A comprehensive description of the incidence and its changing patterns, increasing awareness, and rational resource allocation are needed to reduce the burden of pediatric appendicitis.