Neonatal appendicitis.

We report a case of neonatal appendicitis with right flank edema and abdominal wall cellulitis. These findings suggest retrocecal appendicitis, especially in conjunction with hematuria, proteinuria, and thickening of the right abdominal wall. When these signs are present, immediate surgical exploration must be considered. With attention to clinical information, physical signs, ancillary tests, and abdominal x-ray films, it may be possible to lower the unacceptably high mortality of 80%.