Management of pediatric appendicitis during the COVID-19 pandemic: A nationwide multicenter cohort study.

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

SUBMITTER: Hegde B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9374489 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature