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Appendicitis diagnosis guidelines (Children's Mercy Kansas City)
Topic overview
Standardized diagnostic algorithm for pediatric appendicitis developed by Children's Mercy Hospital Kansas City. Provides systematic approach to clinical evaluation and decision-making for suspected acute appendicitis in children.
Key Takeaways
- Use Pediatric Appendicitis Score (PAS) as initial triage: PAS <4 suggests low risk, PAS ≥7 warrants surgical consult.
- Appendicitis ultrasound (AUS) with CBC is first-line imaging for intermediate-risk patients (PAS 4-6).
- Reserve CT abdomen/pelvis for cases where ultrasound is indeterminate and diagnosis remains unclear.
- Non-operative management with antibiotics is an option for select diagnosed appendicitis cases not proceeding to OR.
- PAS incorporates 8 clinical/lab findings (max 10 points): RLQ tenderness, fever, leukocytosis, anorexia, and pain migration.
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How to cite: GlobalCastMD. Appendicitis diagnosis guidelines (Children's Mercy Kansas City). GlobalCastMD Medical Library. https://library.globalcastmd.com/guideline/3560
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