BACKGROUND: Neonatal appendicitis (NA) is a rare disease with a high mortality. The diagnosis has never been reported preoperatively and is notoriously difficult to make. METHODS: Charts since 1995 were retrospectively reviewed for discharge or death diagnoses of appendicitis in neonates younger than 28 days. We report 3 cases of NA seen at our institution during this period. RESULTS: All 3 infants were previously well, born at term, and presented with signs consistent with abdominal sepsis. The first 2 diagnoses were not made until autopsy. The third case survived after having an urgent computed tomographic scan, exploratory laparotomy, and appendectomy. DISCUSSION: The literature summarizing common presenting features of NA is reviewed. We present an algorithm to guide the workup of these neonates to facilitate earlier diagnosis and potentially improve outcomes.
BACKGROUND:Neonatal appendicitis (NA) is a rare disease with a high mortality. The diagnosis has never been reported preoperatively and is notoriously difficult to make. METHODS: Charts since 1995 were retrospectively reviewed for discharge or death diagnoses of appendicitis in neonates younger than 28 days. We report 3 cases of NA seen at our institution during this period. RESULTS:All 3infants were previously well, born at term, and presented with signs consistent with abdominal sepsis. The first 2 diagnoses were not made until autopsy. The third case survived after having an urgent computed tomographic scan, exploratory laparotomy, and appendectomy. DISCUSSION: The literature summarizing common presenting features of NA is reviewed. We present an algorithm to guide the workup of these neonates to facilitate earlier diagnosis and potentially improve outcomes.