A survey of unexpected death in children 1 to 5 years of age in a defined community over a 9-year period revealed three deaths, representing 4.5 deaths per million at risk per year. These cases were preceded by recognized prodromal symptoms, yet proper diagnosis did not occur and prompt therapy was not instituted. A higher index of suspicion, improved attention to early symptoms, and decreased therapeutic delay are suggested to prevent these deaths.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Longino LA, Holder TM, Gross REAppendicitis in childhood: a study of 1,358 cases. Pediatrics1958;22:238-46.
2.
McCosh AJAppendicitis in children. JAMA1904;43:853-6.
3.
Pieper R., Kager L.The incidence of acute appendicitis and appendectomy: an epidemiological study of 971 cases. Acta Chir Scand [Suppl] 1982 ; 148:45-9.
4.
Ryden CI, Grunditz T., Janzon L.Acute appendicitis in patients above and below 60 years of age. Acta Chir Scand [Suppl] 1983;149:165-70.
5.
Siegel B., Hyman E., Lahat E., Oland Y.Acute appendicitis in early childhood. Helv Paediatr Acta1982;37:215-9.
6.
Soreide O.Appendicitis—a study of incidence, death rates, and consumption of hospital resources. Postgrad Med J1984;60:341-5.
7.
Stone HH, Sanders SL, Martin JDPerforated appendicitis in children. Surgery1971;69:673-9.
Fields IA, Cole NMAcute appendicitis in infants 36 months of age or younger: 10-year survey at the Los Angeles County Hospital. Am J Surg1967;113:269-75.
10.
Savrin RA, Clatworthy HWAppendiceal rupture: A continuing diagnostic problem. Pediatrics1979;63:37-43.
11.
Scher KA, Coil JAThe continuing challenge of perforating appendicitis. Surg Gynecol Obstet1980;150:535-8.
12.
Bedford Thb.The pathology of sudden death: A review of 198 cases "brought in dead."J Pathol Bacteriol1933;36:333-47.
13.
Rabson SMSudden and unexpected natural death: IV. Sudden and unexpected natural death in infants and young children. J Pediatr1949 ;34:166-73.
14.
Arey JB, Sotos J.Unexpected death in early life. J Pediatr1956;49:523-39.
15.
Molander N.Sudden natural death in later childhood and adolescence. Arch Dis Child1982;57:572-6.
16.
Neuspiel DR , Kuller LHSudden and unexpected natural death in childhood and adolescence. JAMA1985; 254:1321-5.
17.
Minervini F. , Santulli TVAcute appendicitis in early childhood. J Pediatr1958;52:324-8.
18.
Howland J.Two cases of appendicitis in young children. Arch Pediatr1904;21:354-9.
19.
Stanley-Brown EGAcute appendicitis during the first 5 years of life. Am J Dis Child1964;108:134-8.
