Linking Antimicrobial Agent Resistance Profiles to Clinical Outcomes in Pediatric Perforated Appendicitis

Children with OSI exhibited distinct microbiologic features, including polymicrobial cultures and <i>B. fragilis</i>. Resistance-weighted clusters were linked to longer LOS and re-admission, highlighting that intra-operative cultures, traditionally considered low yield, may provide prognostic information with implications for post-operative management and antibiotic agent stewardship in pediatric complicated appendicitis.