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Berecki-Gisolf J, Matthews B, Calverley H, Abrahams J, Peden AE. Hospital-admitted drowning in Victoria, Australia, before and after the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Inj Prev 2024:ip-2023-045206. [PMID: 38684336 DOI: 10.1136/ip-2023-045206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine trends in hospitalisation following drowning in Victoria, Australia, before and after the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN Retrospective analysis of administrative hospital admission records. SETTING Hospital admissions recorded in the Victorian Admitted Episodes Dataset. PARTICIPANTS Hospital-admitted patients with ≥1 drowning-related International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision, Australian Modification diagnosis code. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Incidence and incidence rate ratios (IRR; 95% CIs) of hospital-admitted drowning that occurred before (July 2017 to June 2019), during (July 2019 to June 2021) and after (July 2021 to June 2022) the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS There were 736 hospital admissions related to drowning in the study period; the incidence was 2.6 per 100 000 population pre-COVID-19 and dropped to 2.0 per 100 000 during (2019/2020-2020/2021) and after (2021/2022) the onset of the pandemic. Among Victorian residents, drowning was positively associated with younger age, male sex and regional/remote residence. Drowning was negatively associated with the onset of COVID-19 (IRR 0.76 (0.64, 0.90)) as well as the post-COVID-19 period (0.78 (0.64, 0.97)), compared with pre-COVID-19. Natural water drowning rates were consistently higher than pool or bathtub drowning rates. Pool or bathtub drowning rates decreased with the onset of COVID-19; no significant change was observed in the natural water drowning rate. CONCLUSIONS Pool and bathtub drowning rates declined since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, despite more time spent at home, while natural water drowning rates remained consistently high. Hospital admissions provide a valuable data source for monitoring of drowning, which is crucial to ensure a targeted, evidence-based approach to mitigate drowning risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janneke Berecki-Gisolf
- Monash University Accident Research Centre, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bernadette Matthews
- Research and Health Promotion, Life Saving Victoria, Port Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hannah Calverley
- Research and Health Promotion, Life Saving Victoria, Port Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jonathan Abrahams
- Monash University Accident Research Centre, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Monash University Disaster Resilience Initiative, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Amy E Peden
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Hassanieh J, Zalaquett N, Khazzeka A, El Ghazal R, Riachi M, Habib S, Zaghal A. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on acute appendicitis patients in a tertiary care center in Lebanon. BMC Surg 2024; 24:18. [PMID: 38191368 PMCID: PMC10775468 DOI: 10.1186/s12893-023-02273-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION With it becoming a global pandemic, the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) imposed public health restraints that hampered patient's presentation to hospitals. In Lebanon, little is known about the presentation patterns of acute appendicitis (AA) patients among different population groups during the COVID-19. Therefore, this study aims to assess the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the rates of cases seen during the pandemic period, the adopted management strategies, and evaluate the patient outcomes compared to presentations from previous years. METHODS This is a retrospective, observational cohort study with no interventional procedures. All patients presented to our tertiary health care center were diagnosed with AA between February 2019 and February 2021 comprised the study analysis. We divided our patients into the pre-pandemic period cohort March 1st, 2019, till February 29th, 2020, and the pandemic period cohort March 1st 2020 till March 1st 2021. RESULTS We collected data retrospectively from 342 patients: 201 patients presented in the pre-pandemic period and 141 during the pandemic period. Male predominance was seen in both cohorts (51.7% and 58.9% respectively). A decrease in the number of AA cases was seen during the pandemic, however, the duration of symptoms before presentation was similar in both cohorts (p = 0.382) Additionally, the number of complicated appendicitis cases was not different between cohorts. The main imaging modality was CT in both groups with no statistically significant difference in the type of imaging between them (p = 0.398). Further, the predominant treatment modality remained surgery during the pandemic, with no difference between both periods (p = 0.200), and no statistically significant difference in the type of surgery performed as laparoscopic surgery remained the most common surgery type in the pandemic period (p = 0.43). Finally, no extra surgical and post-surgical complications were identified. CONCLUSION In conclusion, our study is an example of how the COVID-19 pandemic did not significantly affect patients presenting for AA. Despite the COVID-19-related restrictions, Lebanese patients with worrying symptoms were presenting to the emergency department and the American University of Beirut Medical Center was providing them with the standards of care. Our study mirrors the Lebanese experience and gives an example of a population that focused more on their current symptoms than the fear of acquiring the COVID-19 virus. Further research is needed to assess whether this was the correct approach during these times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joelle Hassanieh
- Department of Surgery, American University of Beirut-Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nader Zalaquett
- Department of Surgery, American University of Beirut-Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Alicia Khazzeka
- Department of Surgery, American University of Beirut-Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ryan El Ghazal
- Department of Surgery, American University of Beirut-Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mansour Riachi
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Salim Habib
- Department of Surgery, American University of Beirut-Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ahmad Zaghal
- Department of Surgery, American University of Beirut-Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
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Miscia ME, Lauriti G, Di Renzo D, Cascini V, Lisi G. Management and outcomes of acute appendicitis in children during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Pediatr Surg Int 2023; 40:11. [PMID: 38017246 PMCID: PMC10684649 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-023-05594-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way to manage the emergencies, as people faced fear of the hospitals, with possible delay in the diagnosis. Moreover, clinicians had to rearrange protocols for diagnosis and treatment. We aimed to assess whether COVID-19 pandemic influenced severity of inflammation, management, and outcomes of acute appendicitis (AA), when compared to the pre-COVID era. Using defined search strategy, two independent investigators identified those studies comparing pediatric AA during COVID-19 pandemic versus the pre-COVID-19 period. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3. Data are mean ± SD. Of 528 abstracts, 36 comparative studies were included (32,704pts). Time from symptoms onset to surgery was longer during the pandemics compared to the pre-COVID-19 (1.6 ± 0.9 versus 1.4 ± 0.9 days; p < 0.00001). Minimally Invasive Surgery was similar during COVID-19 (70.4 ± 30.2%) versus control period (69.6 ± 25.3%; p = ns). Complicated appendicitis was increased during the pandemics (35.9 ± 14.8%) compared to control period (33.4 ± 17.2%; p < 0.0001). Post-operative complications were comparable between these two groups (7.7 ± 6.5% versus 9.1 ± 5.3%; p = ns). It seems that the COVID-19 pandemic influenced the time of diagnosis, severity of inflammation, and type of surgery. However, the number of post-operative complications was not different between the two groups, leading to the conclusion that the patients were correctly managed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3 Meta-analysis on Level 3 studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Enrica Miscia
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Via L. Polacchi 11, 66100, Chieti, Italy
- Pediatric Surgery Unit, Spirito Santo" Hospital of Pescara, Pescara, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lauriti
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Via L. Polacchi 11, 66100, Chieti, Italy.
- Pediatric Surgery Unit, Spirito Santo" Hospital of Pescara, Pescara, Italy.
| | - Dacia Di Renzo
- Pediatric Surgery Unit, Spirito Santo" Hospital of Pescara, Pescara, Italy
| | - Valentina Cascini
- Pediatric Surgery Unit, Spirito Santo" Hospital of Pescara, Pescara, Italy
| | - Gabriele Lisi
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Via L. Polacchi 11, 66100, Chieti, Italy
- Pediatric Surgery Unit, Spirito Santo" Hospital of Pescara, Pescara, Italy
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Andersson RE, Agiorgiti M, Bendtsen M. Spontaneous Resolution of Uncomplicated Appendicitis may Explain Increase in Proportion of Complicated Appendicitis During Covid-19 Pandemic: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. World J Surg 2023; 47:1901-1916. [PMID: 37140609 PMCID: PMC10158710 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-023-07027-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reports of an increased proportion of complicated appendicitis during the Covid-19 pandemic suggest a worse outcome due to delay secondary to the restrained access to health care, but may be explained by a concomitant decrease in uncomplicated appendicitis. We analyze the impact of the pandemic on the incidences of complicated and uncomplicated appendicitis. METHOD We did a systematic literature search in the PubMed, Embase and Web Of Science databases on December 21, 2022 with the search terms (appendicitis OR appendectomy) AND ("COVID" OR SARS-Cov2 OR "coronavirus"). Studies reporting the number of complicated and uncomplicated appendicitis during identical calendar periods in 2020 and the pre-pandemic year(s) were included. Reports with indications suggesting a change in how the patients were diagnosed and managed between the two periods were excluded. No protocol was prepared in advance. We did random effects meta-analysis of the change in proportion of complicated appendicitis, expressed as the risk ratio (RR), and of the change in number of patients with complicated and uncomplicated appendicitis during the pandemic compared with pre-pandemic periods, expressed as the incidence ratio (IR). We did separate analyses for studies based on single- and multi-center and regional data, age-categories and prehospital delay. RESULTS The meta-analysis of 100,059 patients in 63 reports from 25 countries shows an increase in the proportion of complicated appendicitis during the pandemic period (RR 1.39, 95% confidence interval (95% CI 1.25, 1.53). This was mainly explained by a decreased incidence of uncomplicated appendicitis (incidence ratio (IR) 0.66, 95% CI 0.59, 0.73). No increase in complicated appendicitis was seen in multi-center and regional reports combined (IR 0.98, 95% CI 0.90, 1.07). CONCLUSION The increased proportion of complicated appendicitis during Covid-19 is explained by a decrease in the incidence of uncomplicated appendicitis, whereas the incidence of complicated appendicitis remained stable. This result is more evident in the multi-center and regional based reports. This suggests an increase in spontaneously resolving appendicitis due to the restrained access to health care. This has important principal implications for the management of patients with suspected appendicitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland E Andersson
- Department of Surgery, County Hospital Ryhov, Box 1024, SE 551 11, Jönköping, Region Jönköpings Län, Sweden.
- Futurum, Academy for Health and Care, Jönköping, Region Jönköpings Län, Sweden.
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Maria Agiorgiti
- Bra Liv Eksjö Primary Care Centre, Eksjö, Region Jönköping County, Sweden
- Department of Experimental Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Marcus Bendtsen
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Saritas Nakip O, Kesici S, Talay MN, Kangin M, Bayrakci B. Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children Presenting as Acute Appendicitis. Infect Dis Clin Pract 2023; 31. [DOI: 10.1097/ipc.0000000000001172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Mohajerzadeh L, Ebrahimian M, Sarafi M, Ebrahimisaraj G, Rafiei Tabatabaei S, Noorbakhsh SM, Kaveh A, Taheri H, Azimi L, Alebouyeh M. Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Frequency of Complicated Appendicitis in Pediatric Populations. Arch Pediatr Infect Dis 2023; 11. [DOI: 10.5812/pedinfect-129026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Background: The clinical course of acute appendicitis, one of the most common diseases needing surgical intervention in children, was affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The global fear and panic about the outbreak and governmental decisions on lockdowns and restrictions led to an increasing number of complicated forms of appendicitis. Objectives: This study aimed to compare different aspects of appendicitis and its complications between the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. Methods: In a retrospective cross-sectional analytical study, we enrolled all patients with a diagnosis of acute appendicitis for two consecutive years. Only children under 14 years of age were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups based on the time of disease presentation, the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. Demographic features, as well as clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings, were compared between the two groups. Results: Out of 369 patients included in the study, 173 were placed in the pre-pandemic group. There was no significant change in the incidence of appendicitis between the two periods (P = 0.232). However, the incidence of complicated appendicitis increased remarkably during the pandemic (27% vs. 11%, P < 0.001). No substantial differences were found in parameters like age, sex, laboratory findings, and the length of hospital stay between the two groups (P > 0.005). The patients who tested positive for COVID-19 had a significantly higher hospitalization duration (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Our results suggested that the rate of complicated appendicitis was substantially higher during the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic time. Also, the proportion of midline laparotomy was significantly higher after the outbreak. These findings suggested that delays in care provision during the COVID-19 outbreak could have probably contributed to the rise in the incidence of complicated appendicitis in children.
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Horst KK, Carr BM, Parvinian A, McDonald JS. Impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the presentation of paediatric acute appendicitis: an observational study. Clin Radiol 2022; 77:943-951. [PMID: 36184302 PMCID: PMC9458697 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2022.08.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Aim To determine whether there were differences in the clinical presentation of patients imaged to evaluate for acute appendicitis in 2020 compared to 2019 with the hope that this information might better identify patients who should undergo imaging work-up and those who should not. Materials and methods This retrospective observational study included patients <18 years who were evaluated for appendicitis between 1 March and 31 May 2019 and 2020. A total of 465 patients were stratified by final diagnosis (appendicitis versus not appendicitis) and compared based on presenting symptoms, physical examination findings, vital signs, and laboratory test results. Results Symptoms and physical examination findings that were significant in the positive cohort in both years included right lower quadrant pain, pain with movement, migration of pain, right lower quadrant tenderness, and peritoneal findings. Reporting upper respiratory symptoms was an independent predictor of negative results among all patients and in 2019. Both negative cohorts were more likely to have negative physical examinations. Anorexia and nausea/vomiting were more likely among positive cases in 2019 whereas diarrhoea was more likely among positive cases in 2020. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic did not significantly change the presenting features of acute appendicitis. The results of the present study emphasise the importance of the physical examination. The ambiguity of symptoms that mimic gastroenteritis justifies imaging in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- K K Horst
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
| | - B M Carr
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - A Parvinian
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - J S McDonald
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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Poget M, Chautems R, Kohler R, Diana M, Saadi A. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the severity and management of acute appendicitis. Front Surg 2022; 9:981885. [PMID: 36117810 PMCID: PMC9474729 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.981885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The literature seems to indicate that the number of appendectomies dropped at the beginning of the coronavirus disease in 2019 (COVID-19 pandemic), while the number of complicated appendicitis increased due to late presentation. In addition, a longer delay before surgical treatment resulted in a higher morbidity. This study aims to compare the number of appendectomies, the severity, and the management of acute appendicitis during the first two pandemic peaks of COVID-19 with those observed during the same seasonal periods in the previous 2 years in a regional hospital in Switzerland. Methods We retrospectively reviewed and compared the number of appendectomies, rate of complicated appendicitis, delay to consultation and to surgery, distribution of appendectomies over a 24-h schedule, postoperative outcomes, and rates of overall complications in 177 patients, that is, 66 during the COVID-19 pandemic and 111 before the pandemic. Results No statistical difference was found in the number of appendectomies, duration of symptoms before consultation, median time to surgery, number of appendectomies performed outside the usual scheduled time for non-urgent surgery, length of postoperative stay, or the rates of overall complications. However, there was a trend in the rate of complicated appendicitis (p = .05). Conclusion In spite of a high incidence rate of COVID-19 in our canton, the impact of COVID-19 on our population did not follow the pattern observed elsewhere. The reasons for this might be that people would still present to the emergency department due to less strict social distancing measures. Great availability of emergency operating room may also account for the unchanged delay preceding surgical treatment and complication rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Poget
- Surgery Department, Neuchâtel Hospital, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Roland Chautems
- Surgery Department, Neuchâtel Hospital, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Rémy Kohler
- Surgery Department, Neuchâtel Hospital, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
- Surgery Department, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Michele Diana
- IRCAD, Research Institute Against Cancer of the Digestive System, Strasbourg, France
- Surgery Department, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Alend Saadi
- Surgery Department, Neuchâtel Hospital, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
- Obesity and Metabolic Diseases Center, Neuchâtel Hospital, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Correspondence: Alend Saadi
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Hegde B, Garcia E, Hu A, Raval M, Takirambudde S, Wakeman D, Lewit R, Gosain A, Parrado RH, Cina RA, Stephenson K, Dassinger MS 3rd, Zhang D, Mustafa MM, Koo D, Lipskar AM, Scheidler K, Van Arendonk KJ, Berg P, Gonzalez R, Scheese D, Haynes J, Mina A, Zamora IJ, Lopez ME, Mehl SC, Gilliam E, Lofberg K, Spencer B, Kulaylat AN, Gulack BC, Johnson M, Laskovy M, Brahmamdam P, Shimomura A, Blanch T, Tsao K, Slater BJ. Management of pediatric appendicitis during the COVID-19 pandemic: A nationwide multicenter cohort study. J Pediatr Surg 2022:S0022-3468(22)00512-7. [PMID: 36075771 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2022.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted timely access to care for children, including patients with appendicitis. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on management of appendicitis and patient outcomes. METHODS A multicenter retrospective study was performed including 19 children's hospitals from April 2019-October 2020 of children (age≤18 years) diagnosed with appendicitis. Groups were defined by each hospital's city/state stay-at-home orders (SAHO), designating patients as Pre-COVID (Pre-SAHO) or COVID (Post-SAHO). Demographic, treatment, and outcome data were obtained, and univariate and multivariable analysis was performed. RESULTS Of 6,014 patients, 2,413 (40.1%) presented during the COVID-19 pandemic. More patients were managed non-operatively during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to before the pandemic (147 (6.1%) vs 144 (4.0%), p < 0.001). Despite this change, there was no difference in the proportion of complicated appendicitis between groups (1,247 (34.6%) vs 849 (35.2%), p = 0.12). COVID era non-operative patients received fewer additional procedures, including interventional radiology (IR) drain placements, compared to pre-COVID non-operative patients (29 (19.7%) vs 69 (47.9%), p < 0.001). On adjusted analysis, factors associated with increased odds of receiving non-operative management included: increasing duration of symptoms (OR=1.01, 95% CI: 1.01-1.012), African American race (OR=2.4, 95% CI: 1.3-4.6), and testing positive for COVID-19 (OR=10.8, 95% CI: 5.4-21.6). CONCLUSION Non-operative management of appendicitis increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, fewer COVID era cases required IR procedures. These changes in the management of pediatric appendicitis during the COVID pandemic demonstrates the potential for future utilization of non-operative management.
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Theodorou CM, Brown EG, Jackson JE, Beres AL. Child Abuse and the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Surg Res 2022; 276:18-23. [PMID: 35325681 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2022.02.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic has widespread effects, including enhanced psychosocial stressors and stay-at-home orders which may be associated with higher rates of child abuse. We aimed to evaluate rates of child abuse, neglect, and inadequate supervision during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Patients ≤5 y old admitted to a level one pediatric trauma center between 3/19/20-9/19/20 (COVID-era) were compared to a pre-COVID cohort (3/19/19-9/19/19). The primary outcome was the rate of child abuse, neglect, or inadequate supervision, determined by Child Protection Team and Social Work consultations. Secondary outcomes included injury severity score (ISS), mortality, and discharge disposition. RESULTS Of 163 total COVID-era pediatric trauma patients, 22 (13.5%) sustained child abuse/neglect, compared to 17 of 206 (8.3%) pre-COVID era patients (P = 0.13). The ISS was similar between cohorts (median 9 pre-COVID versus 5 COVID-era, P = 0.23). There was one mortality in the pre-COVID era and none during COVID (P = 0.45). The rate of discharge with someone other than the primary caregiver at time of injury was significantly higher pre-COVID (94.1% versus 59.1%, P = 0.02). In addition, foster family placement rate was twice as high pre-COVID (50.0% versus 22.7%, P = 0.10). CONCLUSIONS The rate of abuse/neglect among young pediatric trauma patients during COVID did not differ compared to pre-pandemic, but discharge to a new caregiver was significantly lower. While likely multifactorial, this data suggests that resources during COVID may have been limited and the clinical significance of this is concerning. Larger studies are warranted to further evaluate COVID-19's effect on this vulnerable population.
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Wang WD, Lin JQ, Zheng GW, Fang ZP, Yan YX. Analysis of appendicitis management during COVID-19 pandemic: A study of Chinese adult cohorts. Front Surg 2022; 9:961258. [PMID: 36468079 PMCID: PMC9709813 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.961258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare seeking behavior has been widely impacted due to the restricted movements of individuals during the Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study aims to perform risk stratification in patients requiring timely intervention during the recovery periods. METHODS Operation notes of acute appendicitis (AA) patients within a hospital were analyzed during three six-month periods (23 January-23 July in 2019, 2020, and 2021, respectively). Patient data were collected retrospectively including demographics, pre-emergency status, perioperative information, postoperative outcomes, and follow-up results. RESULTS 321 patients were included in this study, with 111, 86, and 124 patients in 2019, 2020, and 2021 groups, respectively. The median age of patients decreased by 4 years in 2020 as compared to that in 2019. The proportion of pre-hospitalization symptoms duration of more than 48 h in the 2020 group was higher (36.05% in 2020 vs. 22.52% in 2019). Length of hospital stay (LOS) in 2020 was shorter than it was during the same period in 2019 (4.77 vs. 5.64) and LOS in 2021 was shorter than in 2019 (4.13 vs. 5.64). Compared to the lockdown period, the proportion of patients with recurrent AA was higher in the post-lockdown period (15.1% vs. 27.4%). The median age was 34 years (vaccinated) vs. 37 years (unvaccinated). Logistic regression suggests that elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) (OR = 1.018, CI = 1.010-1.028), white cell count (WBC) (OR = 1.207, CI = 1.079-1.350), female (OR = 2.958, CI = 1.286-6.802), recurrent (OR = 3.865, CI = 1.149-12.997), and fecalith (OR = 2.308, CI = 1.007-5.289) were associated with complicated appendicitis (CA). CONCLUSION The lockdown measures during the COVID-19 epidemic are shown to be correlated with a reduction in the proportion of AA patients who underwent surgery, particularly in older adults. Risk factors for CA include elevated CRP, WBC, female, recurrent, and fecalith.
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Demir M, Unal A, Yucel N, Yıldız A, Karadag CA, Kaba M, Sever N, Dokucu Aİ. A Comparison of Pediatric Appendicitis During the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Same Period Previous Year. Health Scope 2022; 11. [DOI: 10.5812/jhealthscope-126935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Although appendicitis is the most common emergency abdominal surgical pathology in the pediatric age group, there are a limited number of publications in the literature on how appendicitis has affected patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objectives: This study examined the effects of fear of being infected with COVID-19 and isolation measures on complications and morbidity in pediatric appendicitis cases. Methods: This study was performed in the Department of Pediatric Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Health Sciences University, Şişli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. Patients aged 18 years and younger who were operated on for appendicitis between 11 March 2019 and 11 May 2019 were classified as group 1, and patients aged 18 years and younger who were operated on for appendicitis between 11 March 2020 and 11 May 2020 (during the pandemic) were classified as group 2. Both groups were compared in terms of age, gender, symptoms, duration of symptoms, surgical method, duration of operation, length of hospital stay, and postoperative complications. Results: There were 85 patients in group 1 and 49 in group 2. The mean age was 11.5 ± 3.5 years in group 1 and 12.2 ± 3.0 years in group 2. While the mean hospital admission time for group 1 was 52.2 ± 38.5 hours, it was 50.2 ± 40.0 hours for group 2. The complicated appendicitis rates were 37% and 25% in group 1 and group 2, respectively. In group 1, 94.1% of the operations were completed laparoscopically, whereas, in group 2, this rate was 88.6%. The mean operation time was 64.0 ± 24.4 minutes in group 1 and 69.0 ± 33.0 minutes in group 2. The mean length of hospital stay was 2.9 ± 2.0 days in group 1 and 3.1 ± 3.40 days in group 2. The complication rate was 8.2% in group 1 and 11.4% in group 2. Conclusions: Despite the isolation measures and the risk of virus transmission, the psychosocial effects of the pandemic did not prevent real emergency cases with appendicitis from visiting hospitals.
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Choi YS, Yi JW, Chung CTY, Shin WY, Choi SK, Heo YS. Clinical Experience of Emergency Appendectomy under the COVID-19 Pandemic in a Single Institution in South Korea. Medicina (Kaunas) 2022; 58:medicina58060783. [PMID: 35744046 PMCID: PMC9230818 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58060783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought serious changes in healthcare systems worldwide, some of which have affected patients who need emergency surgery. Acute appendicitis is the most common surgical disease requiring emergency surgery. This study was performed to determine how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the treatment of patients with acute appendicitis in South Korea. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed a medical database that included patients who underwent surgery for acute appendicitis in our hospital from January 2019 to May 2021. We classified the patients into two groups according to whether they were treated before or after the COVID pandemic and 10 March 2020 was used as the cutoff date, which is when the World Health Organization declared the COVID pandemic. Results: A total of 444 patients were included in the “Pre-COVID-19” group and 393 patients were included in the “COVID-19” group. In the “COVID-19” group, the proportion of patients with severe morbidity was significantly lower. The time that the patients spent in the emergency room before surgery was significantly longer in the ”COVID-19” group (519.11 ± 486.57 min vs. 705.27 ± 512.59 min; p-value < 0.001). There was no difference observed in the severity of appendicitis or in the extent of surgery between the two groups. Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic, a statistically significant time delay (186.16 min) was needed to confirm COVID-19 infection status. However, there was no clinical difference in the severity of appendicitis or in the extent of surgery. To ensure the safety of patients and medical staff, a COVID-19 PCR test should be performed.
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14
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Levy M, Lestrade V, Said C, Jouvet P, Kawaguchi A. Consequences of Social Distancing Measures During the COVID-19 Pandemic First Wave on the Epidemiology of Children Admitted to Pediatric Emergency Departments and Pediatric Intensive Care Units: A Systematic Review. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:874045. [PMID: 35722481 PMCID: PMC9204064 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.874045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To synthesize knowledge describing the impact of social distancing measures (SDM) during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic on acute illness in children by focusing on the admission to pediatric emergency departments (PED) and pediatric intensive care units (PICU). Methods We searched Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, EPOC Register, MEDLINE, Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews, EMBASE, WHO database on COVID-19, Cochrane Resources on COVID-19, Oxford COVID-19 Evidence Service, Google Scholar for literature on COVID-19 including pre-print engines such as medRxiv, bioRxiv, Litcovid and SSRN for unpublished studies on COVID-19 in December 2020. We did not apply study design filtering. The primary outcomes of interest were the global incidence of admission to PICU and PED, disease etiologies, and elective/emergency surgeries, compared to the historical cohort in each studied region, country, or hospital. Results We identified 6,660 records and eighty-seven articles met our inclusion criteria. All the studies were with before and after study design compared with the historical data, with an overall high risk of bias. The median daily PED admissions decreased to 65% in 39 included studies and a 54% reduction in PICU admission in eight studies. A significant decline was reported in acute respiratory illness and LRTI in five studies with a median decrease of 63%. We did not find a consistent trend in the incidence of poisoning, but there was an increasing trend in burns, DKA, and a downward trend in trauma and unplanned surgeries. Conclusions SDMs in the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic reduced the global incidence of pediatric acute illnesses. However, some disease groups, such as burns and DKA, showed a tendency to increase and its severity of illness at hospital presentation. Continual effort and research into the subject should be essential for us to better understand the effects of this new phenomenon of SDMs to protect the well-being of children. Systematic Review Registration Clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: CRD42020221215.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Levy
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Pediatric Critical Care, University of Montreal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Robert-Debré, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Victor Lestrade
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Pediatric Critical Care, University of Montreal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Carla Said
- School of Medicine, University of Paris Saclay, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Jouvet
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Pediatric Critical Care, University of Montreal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Atsushi Kawaguchi
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Pediatric Critical Care, University of Montreal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
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15
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Cakcak İE, Türkyılmaz Z, Demirel T. Relationship between SIRI, SII values, and Alvarado score with complications of acute appendicitis during the COVID-19 pandemic. ULUS TRAVMA ACIL CER 2022; 28:751-755. [PMID: 35652883 PMCID: PMC10443012 DOI: 10.14744/tjtes.2021.94580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of the study was to investigate the clinical variations of Systemic Inflammatory Response Index (SIRI), Systemic Inflammation Index (SII), and Alvarado Score during the COVID-19 pandemic period. METHODS Between March 2019 and March 2021, 161 consecutive patients who had surgery due to acute appendicitis were ret-rospectively recruited from Trakya University in Edirne, Turkey. Group I included patients who had surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic and Group II included patients who had surgery before the COVID-19 pandemic period. A total of 80 patients volunteered for Group I and 81 patients for Group II. The neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio, and lymphocyte/monocyte ratio were calculated. SII was calculated by the formula: platelet (P) × neutrophil (N)/lymphocyte (L). NLR was calculated by dividing the neutrophil count by the number of lymphocytes. SIRI was defined as follows: SIRI = (neutrophil × monocyte/lymphocyte). The Alvarado score was also calculated by using patient history, clinical examination, and laboratory findings. RESULTS There was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of displacing pain, nausea/vomiting, right lower quad-rant tenderness, rebound, hyperthermia, leukocytosis, and total Alvarado score (p<0.001). There was a significant difference between two groups in comparison of C-reactive protein, SIRI, and SII values (p<0.001). Group I patients had higher values of these parameters than Group II. CONCLUSION Based on the results obtained from this study, we conclude that COVID-19 pandemic has caused an increase in patients with acute appendicitis admitted to the hospital. This late diagnosis of acute appendicitis caused more complications during COVID-19 pandemic. Alvarado score, SIRI, and SII can be used as a marker to indicate whether complications of acute appendicitis occurred pre- or post-operatively. Therefore, Alvarado score, SIRI, and SII are directly proportional to the complication of acute appendicitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- İbrahim Ethem Cakcak
- Department of General Surgery, Trakya University Faculty of Medicine, Edirne-Turkey
| | - Zeliha Türkyılmaz
- Department of General Surgery, Trakya University Faculty of Medicine, Edirne-Turkey
| | - Tugrul Demirel
- Department of General Surgery, Trakya University Faculty of Medicine, Edirne-Turkey
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16
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Grossi U, Gallo G, Ortenzi M, Piccino M, Salimian N, Guerrieri M, Sammarco G, Felice C, Santoro GA, Di Saverio S, Di Tanna GL, Zanus G. Changes in hospital admissions and complications of acute appendicitis during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Health Sci Rev (Oxf) 2022; 3:100021. [PMID: 35287332 PMCID: PMC8906891 DOI: 10.1016/j.hsr.2022.100021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Background Acute appendicitis (AA) is one of the most common emergencies in general surgery worldwide. During the pandemic, a significant decrease in the number of accesses to the emergency department for AA has been recorded in different countries. A systematic review of the current literature sought to determine the impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) on hospital admissions and complications of AA. Method A systematic search was undertaken to identify repeated cross-sectional studies reporting the management of AA during the COVID-19 pandemic (index period) as compared to the previous year, or at the turn of lockdown (reference period). Data were abstracted on article (country of origin) and patients characteristics (adults, children [i.e. non adults, <18-year-old]), or mixed population) within the two given timeframes, including demographics, number of admissions for AA, number of appendectomies, and complicated appendectomies. Results Of 201 full-text articles assessed for eligibility, 54 studies from 22 world countries were included. In total, 27 (50%) were conducted on adults, 12 (22%) on children, and 15 (28%) on a mixed patients population. The overall rate ratio of admissions for AA between the two periods was 0.94 (95%CI, 0.75-1.17), with significant differences between studies on adults (0.90 [0.74-1.09]), mixed population (0.50 [0.27-0.90]), and children (1.50 [1.01-2.22]). The overall risk ratio of complicated AA was 1.65 (1.32-2.07), ranging from 1.32 in studies on children, to 2.45 in mixed population. Conclusion The pandemic has altered the rate of admissions for AA and appendectomy, with parallel increased incidence of complicated cases in all age groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugo Grossi
- II Surgery Unit, Treviso Regional Hospital, DISCOG, University of Padua, Italy,Corresponding author at: National Bowel Research Centre, Queen Mary University of London, 2 Newark Street, London E1 2AT, United Kingdom
| | - Gaetano Gallo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Monica Ortenzi
- Department of General and Emergency Surgery, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Marco Piccino
- II Surgery Unit, Treviso Regional Hospital, DISCOG, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Nick Salimian
- II Surgery Unit, Treviso Regional Hospital, DISCOG, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Mario Guerrieri
- Department of General and Emergency Surgery, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sammarco
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Carla Felice
- I Medicine Unit, Treviso Regional Hospital, DIMED, University of Padua, Italy
| | | | - Salomone Di Saverio
- Department of General Surgery, University of Insubria, ASST Sette Laghi, Varese, Italy
| | - Gian Luca Di Tanna
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, NSW, Australia
| | - Giacomo Zanus
- II Surgery Unit, Treviso Regional Hospital, DISCOG, University of Padua, Italy
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17
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Nassiri AM, Pruden RD, Holan CA, Guerra AD, Nganga PW, Wilkinson MH, Lawson KA, Allen CH, Gregg VS, Naiditch JA. Pediatric appendicitis in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic: A retrospective chart review. J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open 2022; 3:e12722. [PMID: 35462960 PMCID: PMC9019144 DOI: 10.1002/emp2.12722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim Conduct a time trend analysis that describes 2 groups of patients admitted to a large tertiary children's hospital that presented with appendicitis and determine if there was an increase in complicated appendicitis when compared between 2 time periods before and during the early coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic of 2020. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of all children presenting to a single‐center site with appendicitis between March 23 and August 31, 2020, in the Central Texas region. We compared 507 patients presenting with appendicitis from the non‐COVID‐19 era in 2019 with n = 249 to patients presenting during the COVID time period with n = 258. All patients with appendicitis within those time periods were reviewed with analysis of various characteristics in regard to presentation, diagnosis of uncomplicated versus complicated appendicitis, and management outcomes. Results There were no significant demographic differences or change in the number of appendicitis cases noted between the 2 time periods of comparison. There was no significant difference in rates of complicated appendicitis or presentation time following symptom onset between the 2 eras. There was no significant difference in intraoperative or postoperative complications. There was a statistically significant increase in the use of computed tomography (CT) scans (P‐value = 0.004) with patients 1.81 times more likely to have a CT scan in the pandemic era after adjusting for patient‐level factors. The effect of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 status on outcomes was not part of the data analysis. Conclusion Our study is the largest to date examining appendicitis complications in the era of COVID. In the time of the COVID‐19 pandemic, we found no delay in presentation in children presenting to the emergency department and no increase in complicated appendicitis. We did identify an increase in the use of CT scans for definitive diagnosis of appendicitis noted in the pandemic era. Although COVID‐19 status was not studied, the finding of increased CT use for a definitive diagnosis of appendicitis was a distinctive finding of this study showing a change in practice in pediatric emergency medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna M Nassiri
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine Dell Children's Medical Center Austin Texas USA
| | - Roy D Pruden
- Department of Pediatrics Dell Children's Medical Center Austin Texas USA
| | - Cole A Holan
- University of Texas Dell Medical School Austin Texas USA
| | | | - Peris W Nganga
- Department of Pediatrics Dell Children's Medical Center Austin Texas USA
| | - Matthew H Wilkinson
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine Dell Children's Medical Center Austin Texas USA
| | - Karla A Lawson
- Department of Surgery and Perioperative Care Division of Pediatric Surgery Dell Children's Medical Center University of Texas Austin Texas USA
| | - Coburn H Allen
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine Dell Children's Medical Center Austin Texas USA
| | - Victoria S Gregg
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine Dell Children's Medical Center Austin Texas USA
| | - Jessica A Naiditch
- Department of Surgery and Perioperative Care Division of Pediatric Surgery Dell Children's Medical Center University of Texas Austin Texas USA
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18
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Rajagopalan A, Roschach B, Grant K, Singh J, Bak M, Burgess M, Liu K, Chen N, Menzie J, Chew S, Gupta N, Frederick N, Hegarty L, Chan C, Penfold S, Walia A, Croagh D. The impact of Victorian
COVID
‐19 lockdowns on the presentation and management of acute appendicitis. ANZ J Surg 2022; 92:1066-1070. [PMID: 35429210 PMCID: PMC9111203 DOI: 10.1111/ans.17655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ashray Rajagopalan
- Department of General Surgery Monash Health Melbourne Victoria Australia
- School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health Monash University Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Blake Roschach
- Department of General Surgery Monash Health Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Katherine Grant
- Department of General Surgery Monash Health Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Jasprit Singh
- Department of General Surgery Monash Health Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Marek Bak
- Department of General Surgery Monash Health Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Marjorie Burgess
- Department of General Surgery Monash Health Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Kerry Liu
- Department of General Surgery Monash Health Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Nevin Chen
- Department of General Surgery Monash Health Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Jack Menzie
- Department of General Surgery Monash Health Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Sarah Chew
- Department of General Surgery Monash Health Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Namankit Gupta
- Department of General Surgery Monash Health Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Naomi Frederick
- Department of General Surgery Monash Health Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Lachlan Hegarty
- Department of General Surgery Monash Health Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Carina Chan
- Department of General Surgery Monash Health Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Samuel Penfold
- Department of General Surgery Monash Health Melbourne Victoria Australia
- School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health Monash University Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Anysha Walia
- Department of General Surgery Monash Health Melbourne Victoria Australia
- School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health Monash University Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Daniel Croagh
- Department of General Surgery Monash Health Melbourne Victoria Australia
- School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health Monash University Melbourne Victoria Australia
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19
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Roberts K. Impact of COVID-19 on appendicitis presentations in children in Australia and New Zealand. ANZ J Surg 2022; 92:736-741. [PMID: 35285164 PMCID: PMC9111244 DOI: 10.1111/ans.17566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In contrast to many countries, the prevalence of COVID-19 in Australia and New Zealand has been low. We hypothesised, however, that a potential secondary effect of the COVID-19 pandemic would be delayed presentation of paediatric appendicitis, with resultant higher rates of complicated appendicitis. This study was an initiative of the Australian and New Zealand Surgery in Children Registrars' Association for Trials collaborative, a trainee-led research group based in Australia and New Zealand. METHODS A binational multicentre, retrospective review was undertaken of paediatric patients with appendicitis early in the COVID-19 pandemic (20 March-30 April 2020), compared with previous years (2018, 2019). Primary outcomes were the duration of symptoms prior to presentation and the severity of disease. RESULTS A total of 400 patients from six centres were included. Duration of symptoms prior to presentation, sepsis at presentation, complicated disease and presence of complications did not differ significantly between time periods. Duration of intravenous antibiotic treatment and overall antibiotic treatment were both significantly shorter during 2020 (2.4 days versus 3.5 in 2018 and 3.0 in 2019 [P = 0.0038] and 3.7 days versus 5.2 in 2018 and 4.6 in 2019 [P = 0.04], respectively). Management approach did not differ, with the majority of patients managed operatively. CONCLUSIONS We did not demonstrate any difference in duration of symptoms prior to presentation or other markers of disease severity early in the pandemic. Duration of antibiotic treatment was shorter during this period compared with previous years. Management of children with appendicitis, both simple and complicated, did not appear to change as a result of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiera Roberts
- Department of Paediatric SurgeryTownsville University HospitalDouglasQueenslandAustralia
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20
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Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to assess the severity of appendicitis during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, as patients with appendicitis may procrastinate seeking medical attention during the pandemic. METHODS Information on patients with appendicitis who were treated at the Taipei City Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic (January 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020) was retrieved. Patients who were diagnosed with appendicitis and treated at the same hospital from January 1, 2019 to July 1, 2019 were designated as the control group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess changes in the severity of appendicitis (at a 2-week interval) between the two groups. RESULTS We identified 307 (study group: 149; control group: 158) consecutive patients with appendicitis. The mean age was 46.2 +- 19.8 years. Between the two groups, there were no significant differences in age, sex, comorbidity, surgery type (laparoscopic or open appendectomy) or surgery time. The number of patients in the study group decreased between January 29, 2020 and April 21, 2020, which paralleled the period of spikes in the confirmed COVID-19 cases and restricted daily activities. The percentage of uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis (excluding mild appendicitis or normal appendix) in the study group increased between February 26 and March 10, as well as between April 8 and April 21. In the multivariate regression analysis, the odds of uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis increased in three bi-weeks for the study group but not in the control group. CONCLUSION The severity of acute appendicitis might increase during the COVID-19 pandemic, because patients with mild appendicitis (or abdominal pain) may hesitate to seek help.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Jen Chang
- Department of Surgery, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Buddhist Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Li-Ju Chen
- University of Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, HepingFuyou Branch, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Jau Chang
- Department of General Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of General Surgery, Zhong-Xing Branch, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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21
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Quinn KM, Huang KX, Jones RH, Cina RA. Hypoxic respiratory failure in acute appendicitis: A bronchoperitoneal fistula as the presenting symptom of appendicitis in the setting of pediatric COVID-19. Journal of Pediatric Surgery Case Reports 2022; 79:102223. [PMID: 35223426 PMCID: PMC8860748 DOI: 10.1016/j.epsc.2022.102223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Symptomatic COVID-19 less frequently affects the pediatric population and is often associated with atypical presenting symptoms. Here we describe a nine-year-old patient who presented with acute hypoxic respiratory failure and was found to have perforated appendicitis, intra-abdominal abscess, and bronchoperitoneal fistula. The rapid progression of this pathology, complex critical care decision making, and ultimate surgical management has not been previously described. Documenting this patient's clinical course and effective treatments may serve to inform and guide the medical community and pediatric care providers as the world continues to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen M Quinn
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, USA
| | - Kevin X Huang
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, USA
| | - Richard H Jones
- Department of Radiology, Medical University of South Carolina Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, USA
| | - Robert A Cina
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, USA
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22
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Vaos G, Zavras N. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic related morbidity and mortality in patients with pediatric surgical diseases: A concerning challenge. World J Methodol 2022; 12:20-31. [PMID: 35117979 PMCID: PMC8790310 DOI: 10.5662/wjm.v12.i1.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The global spread of the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has had serious consequences in terms of patient morbidity and mortality and overburdened health care systems as well as the socioeconomic implications. In the absence of effective therapies and vaccinations during the viral outbreak, the major and most concise means to control viral spread is spread prevention. Although information concerning the impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 on pediatric surgical patients has greatly expanded, relevant comprehensive studies are scarce. However, pandemic related morbidity has increased, while under normal circumstances mortality could have been minimized.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Vaos
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, “ATTIKON” University General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens 12462, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Zavras
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, “ATTIKON” University General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens 12462, Greece
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23
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Bickel A, Ganam S, Abu Shakra I, Farkash I, Francis R, Karra N, Merei F, Cohen I, Kakiashvili E. Delayed diagnosis and subsequently increased severity of acute appendicitis (compatible with clinical-pathologic grounds) during the COVID-19 pandemic: an observational case-control study. BMC Gastroenterol 2022; 22:19. [PMID: 35016616 PMCID: PMC8751470 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-021-02024-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background During a global crisis like the current COVID-19 pandemic, delayed admission to hospital in cases of emergent medical illness may lead to serious adverse consequences. We aimed to determine whether such delayed admission affected the severity of an inflammatory process regarding acute appendicitis, and its convalescence. Methods In a retrospective observational cohort case-control study, we analyzed the medical data of 60 patients who were emergently and consecutively admitted to our hospital due to acute appendicitis as established by clinical presentation and imaging modalities, during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic (our study group). We matched a statistically control group consisting of 97 patients who were admitted during a previous 12-month period for the same etiology. All underwent laparoscopic appendectomy. The main study parameters included intraoperative findings (validated by histopathology), duration of abdominal pain prior to admission, hospital stay and postoperative convalescence (reflecting the consequences of delay in diagnosis and surgery). Results The mean duration of abdominal pain until surgery was significantly longer in the study group. The rate of advanced appendicitis (suppurative and gangrenous appendicitis as well as peri-appendicular abscess) was greater in the study than in the control group (38.3 vs. 21.6%, 23.3 vs. 16.5%, and 5 vs. 1% respectively), as well as mean hospital stay. Conclusions A global crisis like the current viral pandemic may significantly affect emergent admissions to hospital (as in case of acute appendicitis), leading to delayed surgical interventions and its consequences.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Appendicitis is the most common abdominal surgical emergency in children. With the rise of the Coronavirus-19 pandemic, quarantine measures have been enforced to limit the viral transmission of this disease. The purpose of this study was to identify differences in the clinical presentation and outcomes of pediatric acute appendicitis during the Coronavirus-19 pandemic. METHODS A single-institution retrospective assessment of all pediatric patients (<18 years old) with acute appendicitis from December 2019 to June 2020 was performed at a tertiary care children's hospital. Patients were divided into two groups: (1) the Pre-COVID group presented on or before March 15, 2020, and (2) the COVID group presented after March 15, 2020. Demographic, preoperative, and clinical outcomes data were analyzed. RESULTS 45 patients were included with a median age of 13 years [IQR 9.9 - 16.2] and 35 males (78%). 28 patients were in the Pre-COVID group (62%) and 17 in the COVID group (38%). There were no differences in demographics or use of diagnostic imaging. The COVID group did have a significantly delayed presentation from symptom onset (36 vs 24 hours, P < .05), higher Pediatric Appendicitis Scores (8 vs 6, P = .003), and longer hospital stays (2.2 vs 1.3 days, P = .04). There were no significant differences for rates of re-admission, re-operation, surgical site infection, perforation, or abscess formation. CONCLUSION During the Coronavirus-19 pandemic, the incidence of pediatric acute appendicitis was approximately 40% lower. These children presented in a delayed fashion with longer hospital stays. No differences were noted for postoperative complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- William T Head
- College of Medicine, 158155Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Raphael H Parrado
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, 2345Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Robert A Cina
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, 2345Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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Ikeda N, Yamamoto H, Taketomi A, Hibi T, Ono M, Niikura N, Sugitani I, Isozumi U, Miyata H, Nagano H, Unno M, Kitagawa Y, Mori M. The impact of COVID-19 on surgical procedures in Japan: analysis of data from the National Clinical Database. Surg Today 2021. [PMID: 34783905 DOI: 10.1007/s00595-021-02406-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Background and purpose The spread of COVID-19 has restricted the delivery of standard medical care to surgical patients dramatically. Surgical triage is performed by considering the type of disease, its severity, the urgency for surgery, and the condition of the patient, in addition to the scale of infectious outbreaks in the region. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the number of surgical procedures performed and whether the effects were more prominent during certain periods of widespread infection and in the affected regions. Methods We selected 20 of the most common procedures from each surgical field and compared the weekly numbers of each operation performed in 2020 with the respective numbers in 2018 and 2019, as recorded in the National Clinical Database (NCD). The surgical status during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the relationship between surgical volume and the degree of regional infection were analyzed extensively. Results The rate of decline in surgery was at most 10–15%. Although the numbers of most oncological and cardiovascular procedures decreased in 2020, there was no significant change in the numbers of pancreaticoduodenectomy and aortic replacement procedures performed in the same period. Conclusion The numbers of most surgical procedures decreased in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; however, the precise impact of surgical triage on decrease in detection of disease warrants further investigation. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00595-021-02406-2.
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Vansevičienė I, Bučinskaitė D, Malcius D, Lukošiūtė-Urbonienė A, Beržanskis M, Čekanauskas E, Barauskas V. Did the COVID-19 Pandemic Prolong the Time Till Diagnosis and Worsen Outcomes for Children with Acute Appendicitis? Medicina (B Aires) 2021; 57:medicina57111234. [PMID: 34833452 PMCID: PMC8623899 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57111234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Our aim was to see if the COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase of time until diagnosis, operation, and time spent in Emergency room (ER), and if it resulted in more cases of complicated appendicitis and complication rates in children. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients admitted to the Pediatric Surgery Department with acute appendicitis during a 4-month period of the first COVID-19 pandemic and compared it to the previous year data—the same 4-month period in 2019. Results: During the pandemic, the time spent in the ER until arriving at the department increased significantly 2.85 vs. 0.98 h p < 0.001, and the time spent in the department until the operation 5.31 vs. 2.66 h, p = 0.03. However, the time from the beginning of symptoms till ER, operation time and the length of stay at the hospital, as well as the overall time until operation did not differ and did not result in an increase of complicated appendicitis cases or postoperative complications. Conclusions: The COVID-19-implemented quarantine led to an increase of the time from the emergency room to the operating room by 4 h. This delay did not result in a higher rate of complicated appendicitis and complication rates, allowing for surgery to be postponed to daytime hours if needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idilė Vansevičienė
- Pediatric Surgery Department, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eivenių Str. 2, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (D.M.); (A.L.-U.); (M.B.); (E.Č.); (V.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +370-6260-4046
| | - Danielė Bučinskaitė
- Department of Surgery, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eivenių Str. 2, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania;
| | - Dalius Malcius
- Pediatric Surgery Department, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eivenių Str. 2, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (D.M.); (A.L.-U.); (M.B.); (E.Č.); (V.B.)
| | - Aušra Lukošiūtė-Urbonienė
- Pediatric Surgery Department, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eivenių Str. 2, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (D.M.); (A.L.-U.); (M.B.); (E.Č.); (V.B.)
| | - Mindaugas Beržanskis
- Pediatric Surgery Department, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eivenių Str. 2, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (D.M.); (A.L.-U.); (M.B.); (E.Č.); (V.B.)
| | - Emilis Čekanauskas
- Pediatric Surgery Department, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eivenių Str. 2, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (D.M.); (A.L.-U.); (M.B.); (E.Č.); (V.B.)
| | - Vidmantas Barauskas
- Pediatric Surgery Department, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eivenių Str. 2, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (D.M.); (A.L.-U.); (M.B.); (E.Č.); (V.B.)
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Kim WG, Brown SD, Johnston PR, Nagler J, Jarrett DY. Emergency pediatric radiology imaging trends for non-COVID-19-related illnesses through different stages of the pandemic. Emerg Radiol 2021; 29:1-8. [PMID: 34729649 PMCID: PMC8562366 DOI: 10.1007/s10140-021-01994-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the imaging utilization patterns for non-COVID-19-related illness in a pediatric emergency department (ED). Methods We retrospectively reviewed radiology reports for ultrasound, CT, MRI, and fluoroscopy studies performed at a pediatric ED in April from 2017 to 2021, excluding studies for respiratory symptoms and trauma. Radiology reports and medical records were reviewed to determine if patients had a positive radiology diagnosis, the type of diagnosis, and whether it required hospital admission. Results from during the pandemic were compared to predicted rates based on pre-pandemic years. Results A total of 2198 imaging studies were included. During the COVID-19 pandemic, fewer ED imaging studies were performed compared to predicted. The decrease was greater in April 2020 (RR = 0.56, p < 0.001) than in April 2021 (RR = 0.80, p = 0.038). The odds of positive diagnosis was higher during the pandemic than before, and higher in 2020 (OR 2.53, p < 0.001) than in 2021 (OR 1.38, p = 0.008). The expected numbers of positive diagnoses and hospital admittances remained within the predicted range during the pandemic (p = 0.505–0.873). Conclusions Although imaging volumes decreased during the studied months of the pandemic, the number of positive findings was unchanged compared to prior years. No differences were demonstrated in the percentage of patients admitted to the hospital with positive imaging findings. This suggests that, at our institution, the pandemic did not lead to a substantial number of missed diagnoses or severely delay the diagnosis of non-COVID-related conditions. While still lower than expected, imaging volumes increased in April 2021 suggesting a return towards baseline patient behavior as the pandemic conditions improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy G Kim
- Department of Radiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Stephen D Brown
- Department of Radiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Patrick R Johnston
- Department of Radiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Joshua Nagler
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Delma Y Jarrett
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
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Mehl SC, Loera JM, Shah SR, Vogel AM, Fallon SC, Glover CD, Monson LA, Enochs JA, Hollier LH, Lopez ME. Favorable postoperative outcomes for children with COVID-19 infection undergoing surgical intervention: Experience at a free-standing children's hospital. J Pediatr Surg 2021; 56:2078-2085. [PMID: 33581882 PMCID: PMC7838581 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2021.01.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current literature has shown that adult patients with perioperative Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) have increased rates of postoperative morbidity and mortality. We hypothesized that children with COVID-19 have favorable postoperative outcomes compared to the reported adult experience. METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study for children with a confirmed preoperative COVID-19 diagnosis from April 1st, 2020 to August 15th, 2020 at a free-standing children's hospital. Primary outcomes evaluated were postoperative complications, readmissions, reoperations, and mortality within 30 days of operation. Secondary outcomes included hospital resource utilization, hospital length of stay, and postoperative oxygen support. RESULTS A total of 66 children with preoperative confirmed COVID-19 were evaluated with median age of 9.5 years (interquartile range (IQR) 5-14) with 65% male and 70% Hispanic White. Sixty-five percent of patients had no comorbidities, with abdominal pain identified as the most common preoperative symptom (65%). Twenty-three percent of patients presented with no COVID-19 related symptoms. Eighty-two percent of patients had no preoperative chest imaging and 98% of patients did not receive preoperative oxygen support. General pediatric surgeons performed the majority of procedures (68%) with the most common diagnosis appendicitis (47%). Forty-one percent of patients were discharged the same day as surgery with 9% of patients utilizing postoperative intensive care unit resources and only 5% receiving postoperative invasive mechanical ventilation. Postoperative complications (7%), readmission (6%), and reoperation (6%) were infrequent, with no mortality. CONCLUSION COVID-19+ children requiring surgery have a favorable postoperative course and short-term outcomes compared to the reported adult experience. TYPE OF STUDY Prognosis Study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven C. Mehl
- Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States,Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, 6701 Fannin Street, Suite 1210, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Jackquelin M. Loera
- Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Sohail R. Shah
- Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States,Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, 6701 Fannin Street, Suite 1210, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Adam M. Vogel
- Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States,Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, 6701 Fannin Street, Suite 1210, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Sara C. Fallon
- Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States,Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, 6701 Fannin Street, Suite 1210, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Chris D. Glover
- Department of Pediatric Anesthesiology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Laura A. Monson
- Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Joyce A. Enochs
- Department of Surgery, Perioperative Services, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Larry H. Hollier
- Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Monica E. Lopez
- Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, 6701 Fannin Street, Suite 1210, Houston, TX 77030, United States,Corresponding author
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Köhler F, Müller S, Hendricks A, Kastner C, Reese L, Boerner K, Flemming S, Lock JF, Germer CT, Wiegering A. Changes in appendicitis treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic - A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Surg 2021; 95:106148. [PMID: 34700020 PMCID: PMC8539829 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2021.106148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 a decrease of emergency consultations and modification in treatment of numerous medical conditions were observed. Aim of this paper was to evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on incidence, treatment strategies, severity, length of hospital stay and time of presentation in adults and children with acute appendicitis. METHODS A systematic literature search of Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane databases was performed, and eligible studies used to perform a meta-analysis. RESULTS 46 suitable studies were identified with an overall reduction of appendicitis cases by 20.9% in adults and an increase of 13.4% in children. The rate of open appendectomies increased without statistical significance in both groups (adults: 8.5% vs. 7.1%, P = 0.32; children: 7.1% vs. 5.3%, P = 0.13), whereas the rate of antibiotic treatment increased significantly (P = 0.007; P = 0.03). Higher rates of complicated appendicitis were observed in adults (adults: OR 2.00, P < 0.0001; children: OR 1.64, P = 0.12). Time to first consultation did not change significantly (adults: 52.3 vs. 38.5 h - P = 0.057; children: 51.5 vs. 32.0 h - P = 0.062) and length of stay was also not lengthened during the pandemic (adults: 2.9 vs. 2.7 days, P = 0.057; children: 4.2 vs. 3.7 days, P = 0.062). CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 had major impact on incidence and treatment strategies of acute appendicitis. Results of this meta-analysis might be another hint to support the theory that appendicitis is not a progressive disease and surgeons can safely consider antibiotic therapy for acute uncomplicated appendicitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Köhler
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplantation, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital, University of Wuerzburg, Oberduerrbacherstr. 6, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Sophie Müller
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplantation, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital, University of Wuerzburg, Oberduerrbacherstr. 6, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Anne Hendricks
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplantation, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital, University of Wuerzburg, Oberduerrbacherstr. 6, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Carolin Kastner
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplantation, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital, University of Wuerzburg, Oberduerrbacherstr. 6, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Wuerzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Lena Reese
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplantation, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital, University of Wuerzburg, Oberduerrbacherstr. 6, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Kevin Boerner
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplantation, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital, University of Wuerzburg, Oberduerrbacherstr. 6, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Sven Flemming
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplantation, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital, University of Wuerzburg, Oberduerrbacherstr. 6, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Johan F. Lock
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplantation, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital, University of Wuerzburg, Oberduerrbacherstr. 6, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Christoph-Thomas Germer
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplantation, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital, University of Wuerzburg, Oberduerrbacherstr. 6, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany,Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Wuerzburg Medical Centre, Josef-Schneiderstr. 2, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Armin Wiegering
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplantation, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital, University of Wuerzburg, Oberduerrbacherstr. 6, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Wuerzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Wuerzburg, Germany,Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Wuerzburg Medical Centre, Josef-Schneiderstr. 2, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany,Corresponding author. partment of General, Visceral, Transplantation, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery University Hospital Wuerzburg Oberduerrbacherstr. 6 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
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Malbul K, Katwal S, Maharjan S, Shrestha S, Dhital R, Rajbhandari AP. Appendicitis as a presentation of COVID-19: A case report. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2021; 69:102719. [PMID: 34422263 PMCID: PMC8372448 DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2021.102719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is an infectious respiratory disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Respiratory symptoms and flu-like presentation are the most defined clinical manifestations. However, gastrointestinal symptoms with acute abdomen have been reported in a small percentage, occasionally mimicking acute appendicitis. Hence, the diagnosis of COVID-19 should be suspected and investigated in every case of acute abdomen in the present situation. Case presentation We report a case of a 25-year-old male who presented with features of acute appendicitis. Despite the equivocal ultrasound results, he was scheduled for an emergency appendectomy for Alvarado's score 7 out of 10, who underwent a successful appendectomy. The patient had initially tested negative on an upper respiratory COVID-19 reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with normal chest X-ray but few hours after the surgery patient developed a high-grade fever. An RT-PCR for COVID-19 was resent following a suspicion that came out to be positive. Clinical discussion Several case reports have suggested a probable association between COVID-19 and appendicitis. This case shows the limited effectiveness of clinical diagnosis for the surgical abdomen in COVID-19 patients as these two conditions share similar symptoms often needing a clinical vigilance. Conclusion This case reports acute appendicitis in a patient who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 subsequently following emergency appendectomy highlighting the acute gastrointestinal presentation of COVID-19. This case exemplifies the necessity to be familiar with the gastrointestinal symptoms of COVID-19 and maintain a high level of suspicion for COVID-19 infection in cases of abdominal pain. Acute appendicitis can be one of the presentation of COVID-19. Clinicians need to be familiar with the gastrointestinal symptoms of COVID-19. Rapid diagnosis of COVID-19 in patients with acute abdominal pain should be done to prevent the virus from spreading. A negative RT-PCR for COVID-19 can't totally exclude COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Malbul
- Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences College of Medicine, Sanobharyang, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Srijana Katwal
- Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences College of Medicine, Sanobharyang, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Swojay Maharjan
- Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences College of Medicine, Sanobharyang, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Suraj Shrestha
- Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Roman Dhital
- Nepal National Hospital, Kalanki, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Ashish Prasad Rajbhandari
- Department of GI and General Surgery, Nepal Medical College Teaching Hospital, Jorpati, Kathmandu, Nepal
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Saalabian K, Rolle U, Friedmacher F. Impact of the Global COVID-19 Pandemic on the Incidence, Presentation, and Management of Pediatric Appendicitis: Lessons Learned from the First Wave. Eur J Pediatr Surg 2021; 31:311-318. [PMID: 34161983 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1731295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The fast-evolving nature of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to unprecedented clinical, logistical, and socioeconomical challenges for health-care systems worldwide. While several studies have analyzed the impact on the presentation and management of acute appendicitis (AA) in the adult population, there is a relative paucity of similar research in pediatric patients with AA. To date, there is some evidence that the incidence of simple AA in children may have decreased during the first lockdown period in spring 2020, whereas the number of complicated AA cases remained unchanged or increased slightly. Despite a worrying trend toward delayed presentation, most pediatric patients with AA were treated expediently during this time with comparable outcomes to previous years. Hospitals must consider their individual capacity and medical resources when choosing between operative and non-operative management of children with AA. Testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 is imperative in all pediatric patients presenting with fever and acute abdominal pain with diarrhea or vomiting, to differentiate between multisystem inflammatory syndrome and AA, thus avoiding unnecessary surgery. During the further extension of the COVID-19 crisis, parents should be encouraged to seek medical care with their children early in order that the appropriate treatment for AA can be undertaken in a timely fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Saalabian
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt (Main), Germany
| | - Udo Rolle
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt (Main), Germany
| | - Florian Friedmacher
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt (Main), Germany
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Rudnicki Y, Soback H, Mekiten O, Lifshiz G, Avital S. The impact of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on the incidence and outcome of complicated appendicitis. Surg Endosc 2021. [PMID: 34312724 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-021-08667-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Background Patient attendance at emergency departments (EDs) during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak has decreased dramatically under the “stay at home” and “lockdown” restrictions. By contrast, a notable rise in severity of various surgical conditions was observed, suggesting that the restrictions coupled with fear from medical facilities might negatively impact non-COVID-19 diseases. This study aims to assess the incidence and outcome of complicated appendicitis (CA) cases during that period. Methods A retrospective study comparing the rate and severity of acute appendicitis (AA) cases during the COVID-19 initial outbreak in Israel during March and April of 2020 (P20) to the corresponding period in 2019 (P19) was conducted. Patient data included demographics, pre-ED status, surgical data, and postoperative outcomes. Results Overall, 123 patients were diagnosed with acute appendicitis, 60 patients during P20 were compared to 63 patients in P19. The rate of complicated appendicitis cases was significantly higher during the COVID-19 Lockdown with 43.3% (26 patients) vs. 20.6% (13 patients), respectively (p < 0.01). The average delay in ED presentation between P20 and P19 was 3.4 vs. 2 days (p = 0.03). The length of stay was 2.6 days in P20 vs. 2.3 days in P19 (p = 0.4), and the readmission rate was 12% (7 patients) vs. 4.8% (3 patients), p = 0.17, respectively. Logistic regression demonstrated that a delay in ED presentation was a significant risk factor for complicated appendicitis (OR 1.139, CI 1.011–1.284). Conclusion The effect of the COVID-19 initial outbreak and Lockdown coupled with hesitation to come to medical facilities appears to have discouraged patients with acute appendicitis from presenting to the ED as complaints began, causing a delay in diagnosis and treatment, which might have led to a higher rate of complicated appendicitis cases and a heavier burden on health care systems.
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Calitri C, Fumi I, Ignaccolo MG, Banino E, Benetti S, Lupica MM, Fantone F, Pace M, Garofalo F. Gastrointestinal involvement in paediatric COVID-19 - from pathogenesis to clinical management: A comprehensive review. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:3303-3316. [PMID: 34163113 PMCID: PMC8218363 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i23.3303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is responsible for the first pandemic of the 21st century. As found in adults, signs and symptoms related to the disease mainly involve the respiratory tract in the paediatric population. However, a considerable number of children present with gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The purpose of this review is an accurate description, from pathogenesis to clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment, of COVID-19 effects on the gastrointestinal system at a paediatric age. SARS-CoV-2 can be identified in stool specimens of affected children by real-time polymerase chain reaction techniques. Positivity can last for several weeks after the end of the symptomatic phase. Gastrointestinal signs and symptoms are generally self-limited, can correlate with blood tests and imaging alterations, and may require supportive treatment such as hydration. However, they can precede severe disease manifestations such as the COVID-19-related multisystem inflammatory syndrome. Children belonging to risk categories such as those affected by celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and hepatic disease seem to not have a more severe course than the others, even if they are undergoing immunosuppressant treatment. Medical follow-ups of patients with chronic diseases need to be revised during the pandemic period in order to postpone unnecessary tests, mainly endoscopic ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmelina Calitri
- Department of Paediatrics, Infermi Hospital, ASLTO3, Rivoli 10098, Italy
| | - Ilaria Fumi
- Department of Paediatrics, Infermi Hospital, ASLTO3, Rivoli 10098, Italy
| | | | - Elena Banino
- Department of Paediatrics, Infermi Hospital, ASLTO3, Rivoli 10098, Italy
| | - Stefania Benetti
- Department of Paediatrics, Infermi Hospital, ASLTO3, Rivoli 10098, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Fantone
- Department of Paediatrics, Infermi Hospital, ASLTO3, Rivoli 10098, Italy
| | - Mariella Pace
- Department of Paediatrics, Infermi Hospital, ASLTO3, Rivoli 10098, Italy
| | - Franco Garofalo
- Department of Paediatrics, Infermi Hospital, ASLTO3, Rivoli 10098, Italy
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Theodorou CM, Beres AL, Nguyen M, Castle SL, Faltermeier C, Shekherdimian S, Tung C, DeUgarte DA, Brown EG. Statewide impact of the COVID pandemic on pediatric appendicitis in California: A multicenter study. J Surg Res 2021; 267:132-142. [PMID: 34147003 PMCID: PMC8674370 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2021.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in delays in presentation for other urgent medical conditions, including pediatric appendicitis. Several single-center studies have reported worse outcomes, but no state-level data is available. We aimed to determine the statewide effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the presentation and management of pediatric appendicitis patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients < 18 years old with acute appendicitis at four tertiary pediatric hospitals in California between March 19, 2020 to September 19, 2020 (COVID-era) were compared to a pre-COVID cohort (March 19, 2019 to September 19, 2019). The primary outcome was the rate of perforated appendicitis. Secondary outcomes were symptom duration prior to presentation, and rates of non-operative management. RESULTS Rates of perforated appendicitis were unchanged (40.4% of 592 patients pre-COVID versus 42.1% of 606 patients COVID-era, P = 0.17). The median symptom duration was 2 days in both cohorts (P = 0.90). Computed tomography (CT) use rose from 39.8% pre-COVID to 49.4% during COVID (P = 0.002). Non-operative management increased during the pandemic (8.8% pre-COVID versus 16.2% COVID-era, P < 0.0001). Hospital length of stay (LOS) was longer (2 days pre-COVID versus 3 days during COVID, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Pediatric perforated appendicitis rates did not rise during the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic in California in this multicenter study, and there were no delays in presentation noted. There was a higher rate of CT scans, non-operative management, and longer hospital lengths of stay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Theodorou
- University of California Davis Medical Center, Department of Pediatric General, Thoracic, and Fetal Surgery, Sacramento, California.
| | - Alana L Beres
- University of California Davis Medical Center, Department of Pediatric General, Thoracic, and Fetal Surgery, Sacramento, California
| | - Michelle Nguyen
- Valley Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Madera, California
| | - Shannon L Castle
- Valley Children's Hospital, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Madera, Madera, California
| | - Claire Faltermeier
- University of California, Los Angeles, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Shant Shekherdimian
- University of California, Los Angeles, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Christine Tung
- Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Torrance, California
| | - Daniel A DeUgarte
- Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Torrance, California
| | - Erin G Brown
- University of California Davis Medical Center, Department of Pediatric General, Thoracic, and Fetal Surgery, Sacramento, California
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Scheijmans JCG, Borgstein ABJ, Puylaert CAJ, Bom WJ, Bachiri S, van Bodegraven EA, Brandsma ATA, Ter Brugge FM, de Castro SMM, Couvreur R, Franken LC, Gaspersz MP, de Graaff MR, Groenen H, Kleipool SC, Kuypers TJL, Martens MH, Mens DM, Orsini RG, Reneerkens NJMM, Schok T, Sedee WJA, Tavakoli Rad S, Volders JH, Weeder PD, Prins JM, Gietema HA, Stoker J, Gisbertz SS, Besselink MGH, Boermeester MA. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on incidence and severity of acute appendicitis: a comparison between 2019 and 2020. BMC Emerg Med 2021; 21:61. [PMID: 33980150 PMCID: PMC8114672 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-021-00454-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, a decrease in the number of patients presenting with acute appendicitis was observed. It is unclear whether this caused a shift towards more complicated cases of acute appendicitis. We compared a cohort of patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic with a 2019 control cohort. Methods We retrospectively included consecutive adult patients in 21 hospitals presenting with acute appendicitis in a COVID-19 pandemic cohort (March 15 – April 30, 2020) and a control cohort (March 15 – April 30, 2019). Primary outcome was the proportion of complicated appendicitis. Secondary outcomes included prehospital delay, appendicitis severity, and postoperative complication rates. Results The COVID-19 pandemic cohort comprised 607 patients vs. 642 patients in the control cohort. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a higher proportion of complicated appendicitis was seen (46.9% vs. 38.5%; p = 0.003). More patients had symptoms exceeding 24 h (61.1% vs. 56.2%, respectively, p = 0.048). After correction for prehospital delay, presentation during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic was still associated with a higher rate of complicated appendicitis. Patients presenting > 24 h after onset of symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic were older (median 45 vs. 37 years; p = 0.001) and had more postoperative complications (15.3% vs. 6.7%; p = 0.002). Conclusions Although the incidence of acute appendicitis was slightly lower during the first wave of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, more patients presented with a delay and with complicated appendicitis than in a corresponding period in 2019. Spontaneous resolution of mild appendicitis may have contributed to the increased proportion of patients with complicated appendicitis. Late presenting patients were older and experienced more postoperative complications compared to the control cohort. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12873-021-00454-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jochem C G Scheijmans
- Department of Surgery, Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, Amstserdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Alexander B J Borgstein
- Department of Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Carl A J Puylaert
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Wouter J Bom
- Department of Surgery, Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, Amstserdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Said Bachiri
- Department of Surgery, Noordwest Hospital Group, Alkmaar, the Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | - Roy Couvreur
- Department of Surgery, Haaglanden Medical Center, The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - Lotte C Franken
- Departement of Surgery, Flevo Hospital, Almere, the Netherlands
| | - Marcia P Gaspersz
- Department of Surgery, Maasstad Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Hannah Groenen
- Department of Surgery, Tergooi Hospitals, Hilversum, the Netherlands
| | | | - Toon J L Kuypers
- Department of Surgery, Elisabeth - Tweesteden Hospital, Tilburg, the Netherlands
| | - Milou H Martens
- Department of Surgery, Zuyderland Medical Center, Sittard-Geleen/Heerlen, the Netherlands
| | - David M Mens
- Department of Surgery, Amphia Hospital, Breda, the Netherlands
| | - Ricardo G Orsini
- Department of Surgery, Maastricht UMC+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Thomas Schok
- Department of Surgery, VieCuri Medisch Centrum for Noord-Limburg, Venlo, the Netherlands
| | - Wouter J A Sedee
- Department of Emergency Medicine, St Jansdal Hospital, Harderwijk, the Netherlands
| | | | - José H Volders
- Department of Surgery, Rijnstate Hospital, Arnhem, the Netherlands
| | - Pepijn D Weeder
- Department of Surgery, Spaarne Gasthuis, Haarlem, and Hoofddorp, the Netherlands
| | - Jan M Prins
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity (AI&II), Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hester A Gietema
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht UMC+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Jaap Stoker
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Suzanne S Gisbertz
- Department of Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marc G H Besselink
- Department of Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marja A Boermeester
- Department of Surgery, Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, Amstserdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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Nabil A, Elshemy MM, Uto K, Soliman R, Hassan AA, Shiha G, Ebara M. Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in gastroenterology and its current epidemiological situation: An updated review until January 2021. EXCLI J 2021; 20:366-385. [PMID: 33746667 PMCID: PMC7975638 DOI: 10.17179/excli2021-3417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Coronaviruses are positive-sense single-strand RNA viruses that infect amphibians, birds, and mammals. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a major health problem caused by one of the coronaviruses called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It has spread fast throughout the globe since its first identification in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Although COVID-19 is principally defined by its respiratory symptoms, it is now clear that the virus can also affect the digestive system causing gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms like diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea/vomiting, and abdominal pain as a major complaint. GI symptoms could be the initial signs of preceding respiratory signs, carrying a potential for slowed investigation and raised disease transmission opportunities. Various studies recognized the COVID-19 RNA in stool specimens of infected patients, and its viral receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) is highly expressed in GI epithelial cells. Many cases were reported negative using nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swabs and finally, SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA was detected in their anal/rectal swabs and stool specimens. These suggest that COVID-19 can actively infect and replicate in the GI tract. In this review, we elaborate on the close relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and the digestive system, focusing on the current status in the field of COVID-19 in gastroenterology, liver injury, endoscopy, inflammatory bowel disease, imaging, and the potential underlying mechanisms with illustrating the current epidemiological status regarding this pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Nabil
- Research Center for Functional Materials, National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-1Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044, Japan.,Biotechnology and Life Sciences Department, Faculty of Postgraduate Studies for Advanced Sciences (PSAS), Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt.,Egyptian Liver Research Institute and Hospital (ELRIAH), Sherbin, El Mansoura, Egypt
| | | | - Koichiro Uto
- Research Center for Functional Materials, National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-1Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044, Japan
| | - Reham Soliman
- Egyptian Liver Research Institute and Hospital (ELRIAH), Sherbin, El Mansoura, Egypt.,Tropical Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Port Said University, Egypt
| | - Ayman A Hassan
- Egyptian Liver Research Institute and Hospital (ELRIAH), Sherbin, El Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Gamal Shiha
- Egyptian Liver Research Institute and Hospital (ELRIAH), Sherbin, El Mansoura, Egypt.,Hepatology and Gastroenterology Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt
| | - Mitsuhiro Ebara
- Research Center for Functional Materials, National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-1Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044, Japan.,Graduate School of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan.,Graduate School of Industrial Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, 6-3-1 Niijuku, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo 125-8585, Japan
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McGuinness MJ, Harmston C. The effect of national public health interventions for COVID-19 on emergency general surgery in Northland, New Zealand. ANZ J Surg 2021; 91:329-334. [PMID: 33475217 PMCID: PMC8014635 DOI: 10.1111/ans.16562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Background The New Zealand government instituted escalating public health interventions to prevent the spread of COVID‐19. There was concern this would affect health seeking behaviour leading to delayed presentation and worse outcomes. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of these interventions on rate and severity of acute general surgical admissions in Northland, New Zealand. Methods A retrospective comparative cohort study was performed. Two cohorts were identified: 28 February to 8 June 2020 and same period in 2019. Data for surgical admissions and operations and emergency department (ED) presentation were obtained from the hospital data warehouse. Three index diagnoses were assessed for severity. Results There were 650 acute general surgical admissions in 2019 and 627 in 2020 (P 0.353). Operations were performed in 226 and 224 patients respectively (P 0.829). ED presentations decreased from 11 398 to 8743 (P < 0.001). No difference in severity of acute appendicitis (P 0.970), acute diverticulitis (P 0.333) or acute pancreatitis (P 0.803) was detected. Median length‐of‐stay, 30‐day mortality and admission diagnosis were comparable. Conclusion Despite a significant reduction in ED presentations, interventions for COVID‐19 did not result in a difference in the rate or severity of acute general surgical admissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J McGuinness
- Department of General Surgery, Northland District Health Board, Whangarei, New Zealand
| | - Christopher Harmston
- Department of General Surgery, Northland District Health Board, Whangarei, New Zealand.,University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Zanganehfar M, Parhizgar S, Kiani R, Pouraliakbar H, Kaviani R, Kamali M, Vahedinezhad M, Sanavi A. Two aortic root pseudoaneurysms in infective endocarditis in a patient with bicuspid aortic valve. Res Cardiovasc Med 2021. [DOI: 10.4103/rcm.rcm_13_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Horst KK, Kolbe AB, McDonald JS, Froemming AT, Parvinian A, Klinkner DB, Binkovitz LA. Imaging pediatric acute appendicitis during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic: collateral damage is variable. Pediatr Radiol 2021; 51:1991-1999. [PMID: 34402958 PMCID: PMC8367768 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-021-05128-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared a worldwide pandemic in March 2020, many authors have noted the collateral damage on non-COVID-19-related illnesses. These indirect effects of the pandemic have resulted in people presenting later and with more severe stages of disease, even if their diagnoses are not directly related to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. OBJECTIVE We studied these indirect effects of COVID-19 on the imaging workup and outcomes for pediatric patients at our center who had acute appendicitis during the pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a retrospective review of cases in children ≤18 years who were evaluated for acute appendicitis during the same period, March 1 to May 31, in both 2019 and 2020. We compared demographic and clinical data as well as surgical and pathological findings, and we graded imaging findings according to severity. Differences in patient outcomes were assessed using the Wilcoxon rank sum test and the Pearson chi-square test. RESULTS The total number of pediatric patients evaluated with imaging for acute appendicitis dropped by 43% between 2019 and 2020 (298 vs. 169), but the total number of children treated remained similar (59 vs. 51). There was proportionate use of US and CT in each timeframe but a higher percentage of positive imaging findings in 2020 (50/169, 29.6% vs. 56/298, 18.7% in 2019, P=0.04). There were more imaging examinations with features of complicated appendicitis among positive cases (9/51, 18% vs. 5/59, 8% in 2019, P=0.08) and more pathologically proven perforated cases during the pandemic (14/51, 27% vs. 6/59, 10% in 2019, P=0.11), although these results did not reach statistical significance. There were no changes in surgical management, vital signs, laboratory values, length of stay or complication rates. CONCLUSION There was a large drop in the number of pediatric patients imaged for acute appendicitis during the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic despite similar numbers of patients treated. The utilization trends of US vs. CT remained stable between time periods. The differences in imaging findings and perforation rates were less pronounced compared to other published studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly K. Horst
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDepartment of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905 USA
| | - Amy B. Kolbe
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDepartment of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905 USA
| | - Jennifer S. McDonald
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDepartment of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905 USA
| | - Adam T. Froemming
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDepartment of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905 USA
| | - Ahmad Parvinian
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDepartment of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905 USA
| | - Denise B. Klinkner
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDepartment of Pediatric Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN USA
| | - Larry A. Binkovitz
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDepartment of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905 USA
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Schäfer FM, Meyer J, Kellnar S, Warmbrunn J, Schuster T, Simon S, Meyer T, Platzer J, Hubertus J, Seitz ST, Knorr C, Stehr M. Increased Incidence of Perforated Appendicitis in Children During COVID-19 Pandemic in a Bavarian Multi-Center Study. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:683607. [PMID: 34026695 PMCID: PMC8138624 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.683607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Since early 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic and statutory preventive reorganization of treatment capacities with cancellation of elective surgery as well as curfew regulations led to vastly decreased utilization of primary health care. Materials and Methods: To assess whether there are negative effects on pediatric acute care in Bavaria during the spring 2020 lockdown a state-wide retrospective multi-center study was performed to analyze the rate of perforated appendicitis during lockdown. Children who have been operated on during the corresponding period in 2018/19 served as control group. Results: Overall, 514 patients (292 boys, 222 girls) were included (2020: 176 patients; 2019: 181 patients; 2018: 157 patients). Median age was 11.2 years. Four hundred thirty-nine patients (85.4%) underwent laparoscopic surgery, 69 (13.4%) open surgery and 1.2% underwent conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery. In 2020 a perforation rate of 27.8% (49/176 patients) was found, in 2018-2019 perforation rate was 20.7% (70/338 patients, p = 0.0359, Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel-Test). Subgroup analysis showed that in younger patients (≤ 11.2 years), in 2020 perforation rate was significantly higher with 37.6% (32/85 patients), while 22.2% (39/176) in 2018/2019 (p = 0.014, Fisher's exact test).In boys perforation rate was significantly higher in 2020 with 35.0% (35/100 patients) compared to 21.4% in 2018-2019 (p = 0.0165, Fisher's exact test). Conclusion: During the period of curfew regulations in Bavaria the rate of perforated appendicitis in childhood increased significantly, especially in younger children and boys. Potentially this has to be attributed to delayed presentation to pediatric surgery care. Because of potential long-term sequelae of perforated appendicitis these adverse effects during curfew have to be taken into account for future political decision making to ensure reasonable patient care and avoid collateral damage in near-future or on-going pandemic situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank-Mattias Schäfer
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Urology, Cnopfsche Kinderklinik, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Johannes Meyer
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Urology, Cnopfsche Kinderklinik, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Stephan Kellnar
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Klinikum Dritter Orden, Munich, Germany
| | - Jakob Warmbrunn
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Klinikum Schwabing, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Tobias Schuster
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Simon
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Urology, Klinikum Nürnberg, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Meyer
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Urology and Pediatric Trauma, Hospital for General, Visceral, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Julia Platzer
- Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Children's Hospital St. Marien gGmbH, Landshut, Germany
| | - Jochen Hubertus
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sigurd T Seitz
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christian Knorr
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Orthopedics, Barmherzige Brüder Hospital - St. Hedwig Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Maximilian Stehr
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Urology, Cnopfsche Kinderklinik, Nuremberg, Germany
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