Clinical Pediatrics: Open Access
Open Access

Abstract

Epidemiological Aspects of Abdominal Pain in Children at the El Rapha Polyclinic in Libreville - Gabon

Kuissi Kamgaing E, Minto’o Rogombe S, Mowangue P, Njiomo M, Koko J and Ategbo S

Objective: To identify the causes of acute abdominal pain in children and evaluate their treatment (care).
Methods: Prospective study, including children from 4 to 16 years, having consulted for intense abdominal pain (≥ 5 Visual analog scale). We systematically requested Complete Blood Count, C - reactive protein, urine analysis, abdominal ultrasound, abdominal X-Rays and stool studies. Other paraclinical exams could be requested.
Results: On 1435 children in consultation, 103 (7.2%) were included; the average age was 8.0 ± 3.5 years. The average date of onset of symptoms was 4.6 ± 3.6 days. The pain was more diffuse (46.6%), with an abdominal guarding (26.2%). Fever was the main accompanying sign (55.3%). Kidney diseases (36.9%) and mesenteric adenitis (29.1%) were the most found in abdominal ultrasounds. The abdominal X-ray was predominantly normal (71%). The etiology was mainly malaria (22.3%), pyelonephritis (13.6%) and surgical causes (8.3%). Malaria was diagnosed in the 10 hours after the consultation, that of surgical cases in the 24th hour and pyelonephritis in the 96th hour.
Conclusion: The etiologies of pediatric abdominal pain are multifaceted and justify a codified approach.