Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics of neonatal appendicitis

and to improve the success of clinical diagnosis and treatment and prognosis. Methods: The clinical data of two cases of neonatal appendicitis in our hospital were summarized and analyzed

and literature review was performed based on report of 321 cases of neonatal appendicitis from the main Chinese database from Jan. 1980 to Sept. 2018. Results: From Jan. 1980 to Sept. 2018

a total of 323 cases of neonatal appendicitis were reported in China

including 2 cases reported in this thesis

with the male to female ratio of 2.3∶1. The main clinical manifestations were fever

abdominal distension

vomiting

milk rejection

and poor response. Physical examination was mainly about abdominal tenderness

abdominal distension and changes in bowel sounds. Only 61 cases (18.9%) of neonatal appendicitis were initially diagnosed

abdominal ultrasonography showed appendicitis and its surrounding lesions

right lower abdominal mass and peritoneal effusion

accounting for 26.9%

25.6% and 19.9%

respectively. Totally 304 cases (94.1%) underwent surgical treatment; and 85.4% were cured

3.1% improved

6.5% died

and 5.0% were lost to follow-up. Conclusion: Neonatal appendicitis lacks specific symptoms and signs

early diagnosis is difficult

and abdominal ultrasonography changes are more specific. Therefore

comprehensive analysis of clinical symptoms and imaging is needed for early diagnosis and timely surgical treatment

so as to reduce the mortality rate of neonatal appendicitis