Telethon 2022: Doctor studying appendicitis in kids wins prestigious fellowship to further research

A doctor who is working to improve diagnosis of appendicitis in children has received a boost to his research efforts from Telethon.

Dr Wei Hao Lee — who lives in the western suburbs and works at Perth Children’s Hospital emergency department — has been awarded one of two prestigious Telethon Fellowships.

The other recipient was Dr Jaslyn Ong, who is part of a team running a trial that aims to desensitise children who are allergic to peanuts.

Dr Lee’s work is focused on finding enhanced ways of diagnosing or ruling out appendicitis in kids who present at emergency departments with abdominal pain.

Clinical scores of pain are often used but Dr Lee said most of these measurements had not been tested in children.

Dr Lee hopes his research could help children avoid a long process to diagnosis of appendicitis, which can include blood tests, ultrasonography or CT scans and at times the unnecessary transfers of child patients to Perth Children’s Hospital for a surgeon’s opinion.

He hopes to develop a proven and peer reviewed clinical score.

“(The score) could potentially save time, money and reduce the risk of radiation exposure for children by limiting the need for CT imaging as a diagnostic tool,” Dr Lee said.

Dr Lee’s study is set to lead to trial at several centres, with PCH as the primary site. The trial has already been endorsed by the Australian PREDICT network of paediatric emergency research.

The Fellowship provides salary funding and creates dedicated research time for doctors whose work leads to better care for children.

Dr Lee said it was “excellent to have dedicated research time to review the literature” around the condition thanks to Telethon.

“This allows me to have dedicated research time for the project, whereas in the past I would have to pursue research when I have some free time in between clinical duties or on my days off,” he said.

“Research is hard but rewarding work. It makes us better doctors to reflect on our practice, our evidence and consider if and how we can do better,” he said.

PCH research director Tim Jones won the first fellowship in 1986 and said PCH was grateful to Telethon for its long-running support.

“Our patients and families have directly benefited through this research program for more than 35 years,” Mr Jones said.

“We congratulate Dr Lee for his fellowship success and we look forward to his contribution to our proud legacy of Telethon supported research.”