BACKGROUND: A diagnostic algorithm for appendicitis in children was created to reduce computed tomography (CT) use owing to the risk of cancer from radiation exposure and cost of CT. This study evaluates the impact of the algorithm on CT use and diagnostic accuracy of appendicitis. METHODS: Patients ≤18 years who underwent appendectomy for suspected appendicitis after presenting to the emergency department for 2 years before and 3 years after algorithm implementation were identified. Clinical characteristics and outcomes, including use of CT and negative appendectomy rate, were compared between the pre- and post-implementation periods. Multivariable analysis was used to determine the impact of CT on negative appendectomy. RESULTS: We identified 331 patients-41% in the pre- and 59% in the post-implementation period. CT utilization decreased from 39% to 18% (P < .001) after implementation. The negative appendectomy rate increased from 9% to 11% (P = .59). Use of CT did not impact the risk of negative appendectomy (P = .64). CONCLUSION: Utilization of CT was significantly reduced after implementation of a diagnostic algorithm for appendicitis without impacting diagnostic accuracy. Given the concern for increased risk of cancer after CT, these results support use of an algorithm in children with suspected appendicitis.
BACKGROUND: A diagnostic algorithm for appendicitis in children was created to reduce computed tomography (CT) use owing to the risk of cancer from radiation exposure and cost of CT. This study evaluates the impact of the algorithm on CT use and diagnostic accuracy of appendicitis. METHODS:Patients ≤18 years who underwent appendectomy for suspected appendicitis after presenting to the emergency department for 2 years before and 3 years after algorithm implementation were identified. Clinical characteristics and outcomes, including use of CT and negative appendectomy rate, were compared between the pre- and post-implementation periods. Multivariable analysis was used to determine the impact of CT on negative appendectomy. RESULTS: We identified 331 patients-41% in the pre- and 59% in the post-implementation period. CT utilization decreased from 39% to 18% (P < .001) after implementation. The negative appendectomy rate increased from 9% to 11% (P = .59). Use of CT did not impact the risk of negative appendectomy (P = .64). CONCLUSION: Utilization of CT was significantly reduced after implementation of a diagnostic algorithm for appendicitis without impacting diagnostic accuracy. Given the concern for increased risk of cancer after CT, these results support use of an algorithm in children with suspected appendicitis.
Authors: Augusto Zani; Warwick J Teague; Simon A Clarke; Munther J Haddad; Sanjeev Khurana; Thomas Tsang; Ramesh M Nataraja Journal: Pediatr Surg Int Date: 2017-04-29 Impact factor: 1.827
Authors: Larry A Binkovitz; Kyle M L Unsdorfer; Prabin Thapa; Amy B Kolbe; Nathan C Hull; Shannon N Zingula; Kristen B Thomas; James L Homme Journal: Pediatr Radiol Date: 2015-08-18
Authors: Sara C Fallon; Robert C Orth; R Paul Guillerman; Martha M Munden; Wei Zhang; Simone C Elder; Andrea T Cruz; Mary L Brandt; Monica E Lopez; George S Bisset Journal: Pediatr Radiol Date: 2015-08-18
Authors: Jennifer R Marin; Jonathan Rodean; Matt Hall; Elizabeth R Alpern; Paul L Aronson; Pradip P Chaudhari; Eyal Cohen; Stephen B Freedman; Rustin B Morse; Alon Peltz; Margaret Samuels-Kalow; Samir S Shah; Harold K Simon; Mark I Neuman Journal: JAMA Pediatr Date: 2020-09-08 Impact factor: 16.193