scholarly journals Study of the association of serum procalcitonin with leukocytosis in predicting complicated acute appendicitis

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (7) ◽  
pp. 2300
Author(s):  
Thana Ram Patel ◽  
Amit Jain ◽  
Lakshman Agarwal ◽  
Vakta Ram Choudhary ◽  
Dinesh Bijarniya

Background: Delay in the diagnosis of complicated appendicitis and its treatment results in an increased rate of postoperative morbidity, mortality and hospital stay. The diagnosis of appendicitis rests on a combination of signs of inflammation such as fever, pain and tenderness; leukocytosis, and elevated C-reactive protein levels, interleukin-6 (IL6) and procalcitonin. Raised level of serum procalcitonin in bacterial infection has been used to further improve the diagnosis of complicated AA.Methods: One-hundred ten patients of appendicitis confirmed by intra-operative findings and final pathologist report, who underwent appendectomy consisting 25 women (22.73%) and 85 men (77.27%) with a mean age of 25 years (age range 15-55 years) were included in this study. Serum procalcitonin value was measured by chemi E411 Cobas method (chemilumiscent immunoassay system) using the B.R.A.H.M.S PCT kit. Serum PCT level >0.5 ng/ml was consider as risk for progression to severe systemic disease.Results: At a 0.5 ng/dl cut-off value of PCT, the sensitivity and specificity of PCT level measurement for acute complicated appendicitis prediction was 90% and 97.14% respectively. Association between WBC count and PCT value shows the sensitivity and specificity in 40 case of acute complicated appendicitis prediction was 86% and 75% respectively.Conclusions: Both the higher PCT values and leukocytosis correlates well with  infectious post-operative complications for acute appendicitis and it can help to carry out timely surgical intervention which is highly recommended in complicated appendicitis(correlates PCT >0.5 ng/dl).

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Passoni ◽  
M Giuliani ◽  
M Arigoni

Abstract Objective The 11 March 2020 the World Health Organisation considered the COVID-19 Infection a pandemic disease. Between March and May 2020, the region of southern Switzerland was affected by the first pandemic peak, which was managed by dividing hospitals in Covid and non Covid facilities and by reducing elective surgery. At the end of the pandemic peak hospitals returned to their original structure but there was concern as to possible avoidance of former COVID facilities by patients because of fear of contracting of COVID-19 infection. For acute situations such as acute appendicitis, this could imply a delay of treatment. The aim of this retrospective study is to analyse the increment in incidence of complicated appendicitis in the post-pandemic period at our institution. Methods Clinical data of patients who underwent appendectomies in the period before and after the COVID-19 pandemic were analysed and compared. Diagnosis was based histopathological examination and/or on intra-operative or CT findings. Complicated appendicitis was defined as the presence of perforated or gangrenous appendicitis on histopathology or the presence of an abscess on CT scan. The incidence of complicated appendicitis, the time between onset of symptoms and patient admission (TOSA), the initial inflammatory blood tests and the complication rate was compared between the two periods. Results 79 patients were included in the study, 31 in the post-COVID-19 peak group (A), April - October 2020, and 48 in the pre-pandemic group (B), April - October 2019. Incidence of complicated appendicitis was significantly higher in group A (55% vs 14% p = 0.02). These findings correlate with a greater TOSA (mean time 35 hours vs 17 hours, p = 0.01) and higher inflammatory values in the initial blood test, (mean WBC count 14.8 G/l vs 12.9 G/l, p = 0.08 and mean CRP value 73 mg/l vs 43 mg/l, p = 0.01) in group A. Conclusion Our data show a clear increase of incidence of complicated acute appendicitis after the pandemic peak in our hospital. Indeed patients tended to wait longer to visit our emergency department after the pandemic peak. One explanation is a possible fear by the patients of contracting COVID-19 infection in a former COVID hospital. Management of surgical emergencies during and after a pandemic peak phase should take into account the fact that patients may wait longer to visit a doctor thus aggravating the degree of their disease.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Feng ◽  
Qian-Yu Yang ◽  
Xu-Feng Zhao ◽  
Miao-Miao Li ◽  
Hua-Lei Cui

Abstract Background: No reliably specific marker for complicated appendicitis has been identified. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) increases and albumin (ALB) decreases in patients with inflammation and infection. C-reactive protein and albumin ratio (CRP/ALB ratio) has been found associated with neonatal septicemia, inflammatory bowel disease and pancreatitis. However, its value in the diagnosis of complicated appendicitis has not been studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of CRP/ALB ratio for predicting complicated appendicitis in children.Methods: A retrospective study of 232 children with acute appendicitis was conducted with assessment of age, gender, weight, symptom duration, albumin and blood routine indexes. According to intraoperative findings and postoperative pathological results, patients were divided into the simple appendicitis group (127 cases) and complicated appendicitis group (105 cases). SPSS version 17 was used to analyse the data.Results: Of the 232 patients, 118 (50.9%) were male and 114 (49.1%) were female. The age range was 1 to 15 years, the mean age of the patients was 8.30 ± 3.25 years. The CRP/ALB ratio was higher in complicated appendicitis compared with simple appendicitis(p<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that mononuclear cell (MC), CRP, procalcitonin (PCT) and CRP/ALB ratio were independent risk factors for complicated appendicitis in children. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of CRP/ALB ratio was higher than MC, PCT and CRP (0.946 vs 0.619 vs 0.843 vs 0.906). CRP/ALB ratio >1.43 was found to be a significant marker in predicting complicated appendicitis with 91.4 % sensitivity and 90.6 % specificity. Compared with CRP/ALB ratio=<1.43, patients with CRP/ALB ratio >1.43 had a 102.22 times higher chance of complicated appendicitis (95% CI:41.322 - 252.874).Conclusion: The CRP/ALB ratio is a novel and promising indicator to predict complicated appendicitis in children before operation,which is easy-to-measure and repeatable. Therefore, CRP/ALB ratio can provide a reference for the choice of surgical treatment for acute appendicitis in children.


2014 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 354-360
Author(s):  
Cy Lai ◽  
Yk Leung ◽  
Ca Graham

Introduction The purpose of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic value of C-reactive protein (CRP) to identify complicated appendicitis (defined as perforation, abscess or gangrenous appendicitis) versus simple appendicitis. Methods A retrospective study was performed in the emergency department (ED) of Prince of Wales Hospital in the New Territories of Hong Kong. The clinical records of patients admitted to the surgical wards via the ED over 17 months were reviewed by a research assistant. We included all patients aged >13 years who had a provisional diagnosis of “acute appendicitis” or “right lower quadrant pain”. We excluded patients with pregnancy, previous appendicectomy, incomplete medical records or no CRP levels determined before operation and those who discharged themselves from hospital against medical advice after admission. The outcome of this study was the CRP level in relation to the presence of complicated appendicitis. ROC curve analysis was employed to identify the optimum cut-off level of CRP which had the best sensitivity and specificity to identify complicated appendicitis compared to simple appendicitis. Results Forty-two patients were diagnosed to have acute appendicitis, 31 of whom had complicated appendicitis. CRP level was higher in the group of complicated appendicitis (p<0.05). We identified an optimum cut-off value for CRP of 40.1 mg/L to discriminate between complicated and non-complicated appendicitis. The sensitivity and specificity of CRP to identify complicated appendicitis were 71.0% and 100% respectively at this cut-off level. Conclusion High CRP levels could possibly predict the diagnosis of complicated appendicitis and facilitate more appropriate surgical care. This finding needs to be confirmed in prospective and larger multicentre studies. (Hong Kong j.emerg.med. 2014;21:354-360)


Author(s):  
İnanç Karakoyun ◽  
Mustafa Onur Öztan

Objective: The objective of this research was to evaluate the diagnostic value of mean platelet volume/platelet count (MPV/PC) ratio in pediatric acute appendicitis. Methods: This retrospective study included a total of 310 patients, 176 in the uncomplicated appendicitis group, 80 in the complicated appendicitis group, and 54 in the nonspecific abdominal pain (NSAP) group. C-reactive protein (CRP) level, white blood cell (WBC) count, absolute neutrophil count (ANC), MPV, PC, and MPV/PC ratio were compared between the groups. Results: WBC and ANC levels differed significantly between the groups (P<0.001 in all pairwise comparisons). CRP levels in the complicated appendicitis group were higher than in the NSAP and uncomplicated appendicitis groups (P<0.001 for both comparisons). There was a negative correlation between MPV and PC (r= -0.434, P<0.001). Both PC and MPV/PC ratio were able to distinguish cases of complicated appendicitis from NSAP (P=0.047 and P=0.045, respectively) and from cases of uncomplicated appendicitis (P=0.010 and P=0.045, respectively). Areas under the ROC curve for CRP, WBC, ANC, MPV, PC, and MPV/PC ratio were 0.640, 0.690, 0.727, 0.553, 0.541, and 0.546, respectively. Conclusion: According to the results of our study, MPV/PC ratio can be used in addition to the conventional markers to discriminate cases of complicated appendicitis.


Author(s):  
Cristina García-Amador ◽  
Vladimir Arteaga Peralta ◽  
Roberto de la Plaza Llamas ◽  
Miguel Torralba ◽  
Anibal Medina Velasco ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ademola Olusegun Talabi ◽  
Tewogbade Adeoye Adedeji ◽  
Oludayo Adedapo Sowande ◽  
Olusanya Adejuyigbe

Abstract Background The diagnosis of acute appendicitis in children is quite challenging as the rate of negative appendectomy varies between 15 and 57%. Increased utilization of imaging diagnostic facilities in advanced countries seems to have reduced the incidence of operating on normal appendix to a single digit. In low- and middle-income countries, the incidence remains unacceptably high (double digits). Inflammatory markers and scoring systems may be a suitable adjunct to increase diagnostic yield in most third world countries. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of Alvarado score, white blood cell count, and serum C-reactive protein in children with acute appendicitis. Results The ages of patients ranged between 4 and 15 years with a mean of 11.2 ± 2.8 years. The male to female ratio was 1.4 to 1.0. Nineteen percent of patients had negative appendiceal findings on histological examination. The sensitivity and specificity of Alvarado score, C-reactive protein estimation, total white blood cell count in diagnosing acute appendicitis were 86.4% and 63.2%, 98.8% and 36.8%, and 51.9% and 89.5% respectively. Alvarado score has the highest area under ROC curve analysis 0.824, 95% CI of 0.724 to 0.924 compared with CRP, 0.769. 95% CI of = 0.647 to 0.891 and WBC count, 0.765, 95% CI of 0.643 to 0.887. Both CRP and WBC count showed higher discriminatory values between complicated and uncomplicated appendicitis, p < 0.001. Conclusion Alvarado score outperformed other tests in setting the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. However, none of the tests can be relied on wholly for operative decision. Clinical judgement remains the bedrock for diagnosis and operative management.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Phillip Maurice ◽  
Benjamin David Swinson ◽  
Eduardo Miguel Apellaniz ◽  
Sarah Emily King ◽  
Thomas Grant Mackay ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUNDEven with modern diagnostics, appendicitis can be difficult to diagnose accurately. Negative appendicectomies (NA) and delayed diagnosis of complicated appendicitis (CA, i.e. perforation or abscess) remain common. Serum bilirubin has been proposed as an additional biomarker to assist with the diagnosis of appendicitis. In this large series, we assessed the value of bilirubin in the diagnosis of appendicitis.METHODS A retrospective review of patients with suspected appendicitis at three hospitals over a three year period was performed. All consecutive patients with appendicectomy were included. In addition, a “discharged” sub-group of consecutive patients who were admitted with suspected appendicitis but discharged without an operation was also identified.Demographic data, presence of fever, tachycardia, total white cell count (WCC), neutrophil count, total serum bilirubin, operative findings and final histology were recorded. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine independent predictors of appendicitis and CA. Receiver-operator analysis was performed to compare bilirubin to WCC and neutrophil count.RESULTS There were 2024 patients: 1167 had uncomplicated appendicitis, 355 had CA and 303 underwent NA. 200 non-surgical "discharged" patients were included for comparison. Compared to those without appendicitis (NA and discharged groups), increased serum bilirubin was associated with an increased likelihood of appendicitis (OR 1.030 (1.013, 1.048), p<0.0001) and increased likelihood of CA (OR 1.035, 95% CI (1.021, 1.050), p<0.001). These results remained significant when the discharged group, NA group and uncomplicated appendicitis groups were analyzed separately.The sensitivity and specificity of bilirubin was inferior to neutrophil count for the diagnosis of appendicitis (AUC 0.657 versus 0.725, p<0.0001). Bilirubin, WCC and neutrophils each were all relatively insensitive and non-specific over a variety of cut-off values and combinations did not improve their accuracy.CONCLUSION Hyperbilirubinaemia was independently associated with an increased likelihood of both uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis, however had similar sensitivity and specificity when compared to WCC or neutrophils. Bilirubin, neutrophil count and WCC alone are not discriminatory enough to be used in isolation but may be incrementally useful adjuncts in pre-operative assessment of patients with suspected appendicitis.


2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_6) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Ahmad ◽  
N Fazili ◽  
T P Chang ◽  
H Abdalla ◽  
J Watfah ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction An Amyand Hernia (AH) is the presence of an Appendix within an Inguinal Hernia. We present here our clinical management of acute appendicitis in an AH and subsequent literature review. A 73-year-old male patient presented with a two-day history of right sided irreducible inguinoscrotal hernia with tender swelling on standing and walking. This was not associated with symptoms of bowel obstruction or fevers. Blood investigations revealed a raised C-Reactive Protein of 129m/l and White Cell Count of 15x10^9/L. A Computed Tomography scan of the Abdomen and Pelvis revealed a right sided inguinoscrotal hernia arising lateral to the inferior epigastric vessels, containing an inflamed appendix and omental fat. The patient underwent an emergency open hernia repair with mesh and, considering that the appendix base was intra-abdominal, also underwent a laparoscopic appendicectomy. Method We conducted a literature review on Pubmed and Medline using the MeSH terms ‘Amyand Hernia’ AND ‘Appendicitis’ from 1970 to 2020. Results We longlisted 179 articles. Of these, 117 were excluded, as they were either paediatric cases, not relevant or mentioned in discussions. Finally, 62 relevant articles were included in the review. Conclusions Acute Appendicitis in Amyand Hernias has an incidence of 0.07-0.13%. Most cases remain as incidental findings however, increased use of imaging techniques has allowed accurate diagnoses and attempts at classifications. There is also weak association with Situs Inversus and atypical appendiceal tumours including adenocarcinoma, carcinoid and neuroendocrine tumour. Their management varies according to the extent of inflammation, radiological and intra-operative findings.


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (12) ◽  
pp. 4308
Author(s):  
Liya Joseph

Background: Identification of complicated and uncomplicated acute appendicitis is important in children. In acute appendicitis, along with clinical evaluation and staging, many laboratory tests have been used. The aim of the study was to compare total leucocyte count in children with uncomplicated and complicated acute appendicitis in different age groups.Methods: Retrospective cohort study was performed in children who underwent appendicectomy, in a Government tertiary care institution between January 2017 and December 2018. 206 patients were divided into complicated and uncomplicated appendicitis. Total leucocyte count at time of admission was compared according to age. Unpaired t test and Chi-square test were used for statistical analysis.Results: There were 136 males and 70 females. 107 patients (51.94%) had complicated and 99 (48.06%) had uncomplicated appendicitis. Mean leucocyte count per µl in uncomplicated appendicitis was 18993±3540 in <5 years, 17155±3386 in 5-10 years and 15833±3613 in 10-15 years. The mean leucocyte count for complicated appendicitis was 19974±3658 in <5 years, 17727±4487 in 5-10 years and 17220±3411 in 10-15 years age group. In 10-15 years group, patients with complicated acute appendicitis had statistically significant higher values of mean total leucocyte count.Conclusions: Total leucocyte count can be used as marker of severity of acute appendicitis in children older than 10 years. In children with clinical suspicion of acute appendicitis, total leucocyte count >20000 per µl signifies complicated appendicitis in all age groups.


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