Acute Abdomen

Question 1

What are the surgical causes of acute abdomen in children?

Answer 1

1. Appendicitis
2. Intussusception
3. Obstructed hernia
4. Testicular torsion

Question 2

What are the infective causes of acute abdomen in children?

Answer 2

1. Gastroenteritis
2. Pneumonia (lower lobe)
3. UTI
4. Mesenteric adenitis

Question 3

What are the non-infective causes of acute abdomen in children?

Answer 3

1. Constipation
2. Coeliac disease
3. IBD
4. DKA

Question 4

What are the most common causes of acute abdomen in children?

Answer 4

1. Gastroenteritis - vomiting and diarrhoea
2. UTI - dip urine
3. Mesenteric adenitis - abdominal pain with recent viral illness
4. Appendicitis

Question 5

What are the work up investigations for acute abdomen in children?

Answer 5

1. HR, BP, RR, temperature, glucose
2. Urine dipstick for UTI/ketones
3. Abdominal and PR exam
4. Check testes in boys and perform bhCG in girls
5. AXR, US, FBC, CRP