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Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director of Doctissimo)
A nine-year-old Irish boy, Dylan Cope, died from sepsis after doctors diagnosed him with gastroenteritis. In reality, the child was suffering from appendicitis. How to distinguish the two pathologies? Let’s take stock with Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of Doctissimo.
Young Dylan Cope woke up on the morning of December 6, 2022 with severe abdominal pain. At the hospital, doctors diagnosed him with gastroenteritis, explaining that these intense pains were coming from his intestinal lymph nodes. A week later, the 9-year-old child died of septicemia. He was actually suffering from appendicitis, which then ruptured, causing peritonitis and fatal septic shock.
The child was “writhing in pain” on the sofa
An investigation is currently being carried out into the circumstances which led to this tragedy. Upon arrival at the hospital, Dylan Cope was reportedly seen by a pediatric nurse, a surgeon and a doctor. After concluding that he was diagnosed with gastroenteritis, the young boy was sent home.
On December 10, his father called the hospital again, explaining that his son was “writhing in pain” on the couch. The child was finally transferred to a facility in Cardiff and the caregivers then told his father that he was suffering from a “irreversible septic shock, that his organs were too damaged and that there was no chance of recovery”.
Dylan finally died on December 14, 2022 following a “septic shock with multiorgan dysfunction caused by a perforated appendix.
How to distinguish appendicitis from gastroenteritis?
Doctors estimated that the child was suffering from gastroenteritis instead of appendicitis, the symptoms of the two pathologies being similar. How to differentiate them? According to Gérald Kierzek, “the main symptoms of appendicitis are sudden, severe pain in the right lower part of the abdomen, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. The pain usually gets worse within 24 hours. A moderate fever may also be present..
On the other hand, “The symptoms of gastroenteritis are generally diffuse abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea and sometimes fever. The pain is generally less intense and localized compared to appendicitis..
Do not hesitate to see a doctor if necessary
Be careful, because in toddlers, appendicitis can also cause different symptoms. “In children under 3 years old, appendicitis can also manifest as agitation, insomnia and a change in general condition. warns the doctor. If in doubt, it is important to consult a doctor quickly, as untreated appendicitis can lead to serious complications such as peritonitis.
“A clinical examination and imaging tests (ultrasound, scanner) will make it possible to make the diagnosis. further indicates Dr Kierzek. “And if after a consultation, the symptoms do not improve, you should not hesitate to see your doctor again” he concludes.
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