Approach to Pediatric Acute Abdomen

Abstract

Pediatric acute abdomen is a frequent condition in emergency services and represents a diagnostic challenge, requiring special attention due to its nonspecific presentation that may mimic other pathologies. Based on other warning symptoms, such as abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and irritability, the diagnosis becomes more complex, increasing the risk of delays in management or leading to inappropriate treatment. In this context, the present study analyzes the main diagnostic approaches and therapeutic management of this condition, which is so common in pediatric patients. This is an integrative literature review, with a descriptive and explanatory design, conducted in the PubMed, LILACS, and MEDLINE databases. The search used the descriptors “pediatrics,” “acute abdomen,” “appendicitis,” “ileal diverticulum,” “intussusception,” and “inguinal hernia,” considering publications in Portuguese and English between 2020 and 2025. From a total of 270 articles retrieved, 13 met the inclusion criteria and were critically analyzed. The review indicates that a detailed anamnesis and thorough physical examination are fundamental in the initial evaluation, while complementary imaging and laboratory tests serve as auxiliary tools but should not replace the warning signs identified during the clinical examination. The most prevalent pathologies were acute appendicitis, Meckel’s diverticulum, intussusception, and incarcerated inguinal hernia, all associated with a risk of serious complications if not diagnosed early. Therefore, early detection of urgent warning signs and multiprofessional collaboration are essential to reduce morbidity and mortality and to improve patient prognosis, reinforcing the need for specific protocols in the approach to pediatric acute abdomen.