Abdominal pain in childhood: another look at a common problem

ABSTRACT

Of 617 patients admitted to a children's surgical ward with a primary complaint of abdominal pain, the diagnosis of acute appendicitis, suspected prior to admission in the majority, was confirmed in only 18 percent. A review of the records indicates that a careful history and physical examination supplemented by minimal laboratory investigations, continue to remain the main-stays of diagnosis in this condition. The avoidance of delay in referral for admission, and of blind therapy, especially antibiotics, prior to diagnosis, would be of benefit to children with this very common complaint. (AU)