Risk Factors Associated with Acute Appendicitis in Pregnancy

Abstract

Background: Acute appendicitis has been considered as the most common non-obstetric indication that requires surgical intervention in pregnant women. Objective: The aim of this study is to compare clinical manifestations and para-clinical indices between pregnant and non-pregnant patients who have undergone appendectomy. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, 57 pregnant and non-pregnant women presenting appendicitis were compared in terms of diagnostic indicators, histopathological characteristics and laboratory findings. Results: Periumbilical region was the point of initiation of the pain; however, it was more prominent in non-pregnant women. Similarly, tenderness in RLQ (right lower quadrant) of the abdomen was more detectable in the non-pregnant group, and some of the cases showed no rebound tenderness. Pregnant women with appendicitis presented an abnormal increase in the WBC count. Conclusion: Pregnancy and appendicitis-related signs and symptoms have similarity among them. Due to pregnancy, the physical examination might not present an exact diagnosis; therefore, pregnant women susceptible to have appendicitis must undergo a complete and careful on-time examination that includes ultrasound and labs.