Seasonal Variation in Cases of Acute Appendicitis

Abstract

Objectives. To investigate whether the incidence of acute appendicitis increases in summer and whether complicated cases present more in summer. Methods. A single-center cross-sectional, retrospective study on 697 cases of appendicitis admitted in the year 2018. Inclusion criteria: patients admitted with acute appendicitis who underwent appendectomy of all ages. Exclusion criteria: conservative management. Analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel. Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated to assess the correlation between monthly incidence of appendicitis and mean temperature in that month. Results. Fifty-one patients who were managed conservatively were excluded. Accordingly, 646 patients were included. Ages ranged from three to 77 years. Males comprised the majority (500, 77.4%). Gangrenous, perforated, and purulent appendices were regarded as complicated appendicitis. The highest number of cases were admitted in summer (234), comprising 36.2% of cases. Complicated cases were equal to 65, of which 23 (35.4%) were admitted in summer and 30 (46.2%) in winter. The highest number of cases was during the month of July (68), while the lowest (40) was during February. This corresponded to the highest recorded mean temperature (36.2°C) and second lowest (19.8°C), respectively. Moderate positive correlation (Pearson’s R 0.5183) between the monthly incidence of appendicitis and the mean temperature is noted. Conclusion. More cases of appendicitis were noted during summer. Monthly incidence correlated positively with the temperature. Larger numbers over several years are needed to draw better conclusions and reach the possible causes behind such variation.

Seasonal Variations and the Associated Factors of Acute Appendicitis at a Tertiary Hospital: A Case of SPHMMC, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

“…The prevalence of cute appendicitis was moderately positive and negatively correlated with rainfall and sunlight hours. Our findings align with previous studies conducted on this issue in Nigeria (24), Cameroon(23),UK (28), Pakistan(30), India(7), Bahrain(10), Nepal(27), Irag(29), Iran(32). other studies reported higher prevalence of acute appendicitis during the Winter and Autumn season in Yemen (26), winter and autumn in Turkey (39).…”

“…However, further research is needed on trends in appendicitis incidence in populations consuming traditional diets with different fiber content. The study found that the role of temperature and relative humidity in seasonal variation was weaker, similar to the research conducted in Bahrain (10).…”

Two-Year Experiences of 500 Appendectomies in Lahore General Hospital, Lahore

“…Other research studies have reported similar findings. AlHarmi et al (2021) found that among 646 patients diagnosed with appendicitis, 500 (77.4%) were males [10]. Research studies that investigated the risk of appendicitis between males and females indicated that males are at a higher risk of developing acute appendicitis than females [11,12].…”

Mast Cell Essential Roles: Will it be a Novel Tool for Differentiating the Severity of Pediatric Appendicitis?

“…Rotavirus infection, the most prevalent cause of enterocolitis, has been shown to have no connection to the development of appendicitis [16]. Because of easy communication and a variety of lowfiber diets, older children are more likely to be detected with appendicitis [17], [18]. The inflammatory response is a well-coordinated mechanism that eliminates germs and dead tissue.…”