There are few recent reports on gonococcal infections in young children, and peritonitis is rarely mentioned.1-3 We describe four prepubertal girls, one 10-year-old and three 6-year-olds, who presented with signs and symptoms compatible with peritonitis. They represent approximately 10% (4:38) of the young girls seen at the Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Mo, from 1963 through 1970 with gonococcal vulvovaginitis.
Report of Cases
Case 1.—This 10-year, 5-month-old Negro girl developed abdominal pain 24 hours before admission. She was allegedly struck in the abdomen by a school mate prior to the onset of symptoms. That evening the pain was so severe that she could not sleep. Although the patient had nausea, there was no vomiting. She had a bowel movement the day of admission. She had never menstruated. There was no history of sexual contact.In the clinic her temperature was 101.2 F (38.4 C), and she appeared slightly dehydrated.