Another important finding is that while no differences were seen in postoperative complications, readmissions and postoperative emergency department visit rates were higher in children with cognitive impairment compared to neurologically normal children; readmissions: 8 percent versus 3 percent and emergency department visits: 13 percent versus 8 percent.

The study also found that length of stay was slightly longer in children with cognitive delay (average 2 days versus 1 day).


In theory, the rates should be the same because we are treating the same disease, Dr. Parrado said. "We're glad to bring attention to the huge differences in the care of these children. This study is showing for the first time what we are doing differently in this vulnerable population."

In addition, this study sheds light on other variables contributing to the differences in these pediatric groups. "We need to develop tailored communication tools and education for these children and their parents. Physicians should closely monitor these patients during diagnosis and follow up to make sure everything goes well," Dr. Parrado said.

The results of this study may help create a roadmap for diagnosing and treating appendicitis in these children.

"The takeaway from this research is that we are treating the children with the best of our ability, but there is still room for improvement," Dr. Cina said. "We see that there is some inequity in how this fragile patient population is undergoing imaging. But our study allows us to look at this issue in a deeper way to see how we can improve the outcome for these kids. We need to make sure that we use the same processes in making our diagnoses as we would for others in regard to radiation."

A limitation of the study is that it's a retrospective study, the researchers noted. More data points are needed to clarify the underlying reasons for the differences in outcomes.

Next, the researchers will explore the variables that have been highlighted in this study in order to develop an understanding as to why the differences exist and the best way to improve the care for these children.


About the American College of Surgeons
The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and improve the quality of care for all surgical patients. The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has more than 82,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world.

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