An evaluation of the relationship between Enterobius vermicularis infestation and acute appendicitis in a paediatric population – A retrospective cohort study

Abstract

E. vermicularis is responsible for 7% of acute appendicitis. It is responsible for a significantly higher negative appendectomy rate which if predicted may avoid unnecessary appendectomy and associated morbidity.

Needles in the haystack: Enterobius vermicularis in the appendix

“…Distinguishing appendiceal ‘colic’ from acute appendicitis with regard to right iliac fossa pain is complex. Right iliac fossa pain with EV has been associated with eosinophilia and a normal white blood cell/neutrophil count . Our case had no eosinophilia.…”

“…EV is commonly found on appendicectomy. In developed countries, EV has been confirmed histologically in 1.2–7.1% of appendicectomy specimens . For many years, it has been assumed that EV leads to appendicitis by blocking the lumen.…”

“…For many years, it has been assumed that EV leads to appendicitis by blocking the lumen. However, there are a wide range of findings on pathology, with between 23 and 71% of the specimens showing histological inflammation . A recent Australasian study showed that 77% of EV appendicectomy specimens were not inflamed .…”

“…Clothing and bed linen should be regularly washed. Routine deworming for most is not recommended, but in some indigenous communities, children may benefit from biannual albendazole treatment . Parents can be reassured of the benign nature of the infection, and although a nuisance, complications from invasive migration of EV to other organs are rare.…”

“…In developed countries, EV has been confirmed histologically in 1.2-7.1% of appendicectomy specimens. [4][5][6][7][8] For many years, it has been assumed that EV leads to appendicitis by blocking the lumen. However, there are a wide range of findings on pathology, with between 23 and 71% of the specimens showing histological inflammation.…”