Pediatrics & Therapeutics
Open Access
ISSN: 2161-0665
+44 1478 350008
ISSN: 2161-0665
+44 1478 350008
Nataliya Piletska and Claire Stewart
Evelina Children�s Hospital, UK
Posters & Accepted Abstracts: Pediat Therapeut
During the course of appendicectomies, microbiological swabs are often taken for culture and sensitivities; however, the results rarely impact the antibiotic regime. The aim of this audit was to explore the frequency with which swabs are taken for acute appendicitis and what impact their results have on subsequent management and outcome. Data was compiled from all appendicectomies performed over a 12-month period at the Evelina London Children�s Hospital from January 2014 to 2015. In the sample of 101 patients, 35 were performed electively and 66 for acute appendicitis. Both electronic and paper-based information were collected regarding clinical presentation, intraoperative findings, whether bacteriological samples were taken and how the results influenced management. It was found that of the patients being treated for acute appendicitis (n=66), 29% had generalized and 29% had localized pus intraoperatively. 70% had cultures sent for investigation. The most common bacteria culture was Escherichia Coli, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and then mixed anaerobes. In a third of cases, no swabs were taken. 34% of swabs taken grew no bacteria. In 90% of cases, the antibiotic regime did not change regardless of the swab result. On 3 occasions (5%), the antibiotic regime was changed following advice from microbiology based on culture and sensitivity results. For 3 patients (5%), the change was due to a change in clinical picture such as persistent temperature and intra-abdominal collection. This audit studies the bacteriological epidemiology of acute appendicitis, which antibiotics are most frequently prescribed, and the most common complications and their management. Ultimately it explores the impact of intraoperative microbiological sampling on treatment and outcome.
Nataliya Piletska is a final year Medical student of King’s College London, due to begin her foundation year placement in Oxford University Hospitals Trust this autumn. She has a special interest in microbiology and pediatrics, intending to continue participating in research alongside her work.
Email: nataliya.piletska@kcl.ac.uk