Study of pediatric appendicitis scores and management strategies.

Abdominal pain is a common reason for children to attend the emergency department (ED). Acute appendicitis is the most frequent surgical cause of abdominal pain, with the highest incidence occurring in 10- to 20-year-olds. The diagnosis of appendicitis in children can be challenging due to the different causes of abdominal pain and varying presentations of appendicitis in different age groups. Traditionally the diagnosis of appendicitis is primarily based on history and clinical examination, with laboratory biomarkers and imaging being valuable adjuncts albeit with their own limitations.