Acute appendicitis in infancy and early childhood

Abstract

A review of 115 cases of appendicitis is given; 82 had acute appendicitis. Special reference is made to those aged under 5. The high incidence (43%) of complicated appendicitis in this age group gives cause for concern. Some difficulties in diagnosis are discussed and, a plea is made for earlier diagnosis. It is suggested that the widespread use of antibiotics is changing the picture of appendicitis in the young. © 1953, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.