To investigate the long-term risk of nontyphoidal Salmonella infection in children following appendectomy.
Key Findings:
Pediatric patients who had an appendectomy experienced 1.58 times the hazard of subsequent nontyphoidal Salmonella infection compared to controls.
The risk was most pronounced in children younger than 5 years, who had about twice the likelihood of developing NTS.
Risk estimates were higher in patients aged 5 to 9 years but less consistent.
In adolescents, estimates were imprecise and not statistically significant.
Cumulative incidence of NTS infection was consistently higher in the appendectomy group throughout the observation period.
Interpretation:
The appendix may play a protective role in gut immunity, particularly in early childhood, and its removal could impair mucosal immunity, increasing susceptibility to infections.
Limitations:
Findings may not be generalizable beyond the Taiwanese population.
Statistical significance was not reached in older age groups due to lower event rates.
Conclusion:
The study suggests a potential need for surveillance and preventive strategies in children following appendectomy due to increased risk of nontyphoidal Salmonella infection.
