Influence of age on clinical presentation, diagnosis delay and outcome in pre-school children with acute appendicitis

This retrospective study of 29 preschool children demonstrates that those under 48 months present with atypical appendicitis symptoms—longer pre-admission course, altered general state, less localized pain, and paradoxically lower leukocyte counts—leading to higher perforation rates (69% vs 19%) and prolonged hospitalization compared to older preschool children.