The incidence and temporal trend of appendicitis in children: An analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

Background

Challenges persist in the management of appendicitis in children, but its incidence and temporal trends have been reported in only a few developed countries. This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the incidence and temporal trends of appendicitis in children at the global, regional, and national levels, providing evidence for implementing and scaling up intervention services to reduce adverse health outcomes.

Methods

This study downloaded incidence data on appendicitis in children from the Global Burden of Disease 2021. Data on number and rate of appendicitis in children were analyzed at the global, sex, age, sociodemographic, regional, and national levels. The percentage changes and average annual percentage changes were calculated. The association between the sociodemographic index (SDI) and incidence of appendicitis in children was also determined by Pearson correlation analysis.

Results

In 2021, the newly diagnosed appendicitis in children was estimated to be 2,193,020, accounting for 12.93% of all cases of appendicitis in the general population. The corresponding incidence rate was estimated to be 109 per 100,000. From 1990 to 2021, the incidence of appendicitis in children increased by 0.3% annually. The incidence varied widely across regions and countries, whereas there was a significant positive association between the incidence rates (R = 0.6620, P <.001) and its percentage changes (R = 0.2234, P =.0013) of appendicitis in children and the SDI.

Conclusion

Appendicitis will continue to be a major public health challenge in children worldwide, especially in transitioning countries and regions. A comprehensive description of the incidence and its changing patterns, increasing awareness, and rational resource allocation are needed to reduce the burden of pediatric appendicitis.