Acute appendicitis in children: is preoperative hyponatremia a predictive factor of perforation/gangrene? A prospective study

ConclusionsHyponatremia, upon admission, is a novel, objective biochemical marker that can identify perforated/gangrenous appendicitis in children. We advocate that the assessment of serum sodium level should be added to the diagnostic algorithm in children with suspected acute appendicitis. Surgical intervention in patients with hyponatremia should not be delayed, and non-operative management should be avoided.
Source: Pediatric Surgery International - Category: Surgery Source Type: research