Perforated neonatal appendicitis in a preterm newborn

UNLABELLED: Abstract: Appendicitis is common in paediatric surgical praxis, but extremely rare in newborn infants. CASE REPORT: We report a premature male newborn from a twin pregnancy with gestational age of 31(+4) weeks, birth-weight 1580g, who underwent a laparotomy because of perforation. The baby was admitted to NICU after birth with transitory respiratory failure and early onset neonatal sepsis. MS-Staphylococcus epidermidis was isolated from blood culture, gastric contents and all peripheral specimens, C-reactive protein values were elevated after birth and significantly increased before surgery; thrombocytopenia and mild anemia were found. The control blood culture showed Candida albicans. At day 25 after birth life threatening deterioration occurred: feculent vomiting, progressing distension and palpable rigidity of the abdomen, absence of peristalsis, respiratory distress. Abdominal radiograph showed significantly distension of the intestines, air liquid levels, and discrete signs of pneumoperitoneum. The baby was transferred to the surgery with the diagnosis NEC with perforation. Appendicitis acuta gangrenosa perforativa and peritonitis fibrinopurulenta totalis were found intra-operatively but without signs of NEC. Appendectomy and sanitation of the abdominal cavity were carried out. The histological result confirmed gangrenous perforative appendicitis and purulent necrotic peritonitis. The postoperative course was unremarkable. The boy was transferred to the neonatology on day 33 of life and discharged home 12 days later. CONCLUSIONS: Despite of the low incidence of neonatal appendicitis, it should be taken into consideration if unclear abdominal symptoms occur in the neonatal period. Early surgical intervention contribute to a reduction of potential complications.