Clinical Characteristics of Pediatric Patients With Septic Shock Caused by Acute Appendicitis: A Case Series

Abstract

Objectives This study aimed to explore the clinical characteristics of septic shock in pediatric patients caused by acute appendicitis. Methods This case series included patients with septic shock caused by acute appendicitis in Beijing Children's Hospital between January 2015 and December 2020. Results Six patients with septic shock caused by acute appendicitis were enrolled. One patient was an infant with extremely low weight; 2 patients were obese. The diagnosis was delayed in 4 patients (the time from onset to diagnosis was 5 days in 3 children and 4 days in 1 child). All patients had abnormally raised inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein 119.17 ± 48.36 mg/L, procalcitonin 129.95 ± 86.09 ng/mL). Severe abdominal infection was found in all patients. There was appendix perforation in 4 patients and diffused peritonitis in 3 patients. Two patients had metabolic diseases (Wilson disease and decreased biotinase activity, respectively). Five patients had an appendectomy and 1 patient received conservative treatment. Five patients were discharged in stable condition, while 1 patient died. Conclusions Children with delayed diagnosis, abnormal body weight, significant elevation in inflammatory markers, and underlying metabolic disease may be at greater risk of complicated appendicitis and septic shock. Evidence-Based Medicine Level of Evidence: IV