Minerva Pediatrics 2021 Apr 02

DOI: 10.23736/S2724-5276.21.05872-2

Copyright © 2021 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Gender specific data in patients with acute appendicitis: a single center perspective

Nicola ZAMPIERI ✉, Giulia MOTTADELLI, Francesco S. CAMOGLIO

Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynecology, Woman & Child Hospital, University of Verona, Verona, Italy

BACKGROUND: The influence of sex, socioeconomic status and other factors on outcomes from acute illness has been found recently with an increasing interest; acute appendicitis is the most frequent urgency in pediatric age. The aim of this study is to show any gender differences.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed the medical records of consecutive patients who underwent surgical exploration for acute appendicitis. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were created. Patient data, demographics, characteristics and outcomes were studied and evaluated on a gender perspective.
RESULTS: After reviewing medical charts following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 364 patients were studied; focusing on final outcomes, it was possible to add news from a gender perspective of appendicitis: gangrenous appendicitis was associated with younger female and older female were more likely to have false positive appendicitis; female had less post-operative pain respect to agematch male for all appendicitis and males had more symptoms respect to females especially for phlegmonous and gangrenous appendicitis.
CONCLUSIONS: There is a gender difference in appendicitis; as for adults girls appear to be affected less, have fewer symptoms and have better postoperative results.

KEY WORDS: Appendicitis; Gender; Treatment