scholarly journals The Dynamics of Inflammatory Markers in Patients with Suspected Acute Appendicitis

Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (12) ◽  
pp. 1384
Author(s):  
Ąžuolas Algimantas Kaminskas ◽  
Raminta Lukšaitė-Lukštė ◽  
Eugenijus Jasiūnas ◽  
Artūras Samuilis ◽  
Vytautas Augustinavičius ◽  
...  

Background: Laboratory tests of inflammatory mediators are routinely used in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis (AA). The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences of dynamics of inflammatory markers of the blood in patients with suspected acute appendicitis between complicated AA (CAA), non-complicated AA (NAA), and when AA was excluded (No-AA). Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of patients presented to the Emergency Department (ER) of a tertiary hospital center during a three-year period. All patients suspected of acute appendicitis were prospectively registered from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2018. The dynamics of inflammatory markers of the blood between different types of AA (No-AA, NAA or CAA) during different periods of time are presented. Results: A total of 453 patients were included in the study, with 297 patients in the No-AA group, 99 in the NAA group, and 57 in the CAA group. White blood cell (WBC) count in the No-AA decreased with time, with a statistically significant difference between the <8 h and 25–72 h group. The neutrophils (NEU) percentage decreased in the No-AA group and was statistically significantly different between the <8 h and 25–72 h and <8 h and >72 h groups. C-reactive protein (CRP) increased significantly in the No-AA group throughout all time intervals, and from the first 24 h to the 25–72 h in the NAA and CAA groups. There was a statistically significant difference between the WBC count between No-AA, NAA, and No-AA and CAA groups during the first 24 and 24–48 h. There was a statistically significant difference between NEU percentage and LYMP percentage and in the NEU/LYMP ratio between No-AA and CAA groups through all time periods. CRP was significantly higher in the first 24 h in the CAA than in the No-AA group, and in the 24–48 h in the CAA group than in the No-AA and NAA groups. The linear logistic regression model, involving inflammatory mediators and clinical characteristics, showed mediocre diagnostic accuracy for diagnosing AA with an AUC of 0.737 (0.671–0.802). Conclusions: Increasing concentrations of inflammatory markers are more characteristic in CAA patients than in No-AA during the first 48 h after onset of the disease. A combination of laboratory tests with clinical signs and symptoms has a mediocre diagnostic accuracy in suspecting AA.

2001 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 1189-1195 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. B. Johan Groeneveld ◽  
Ailko W. J. Bossink ◽  
Gerard J. van Mierlo ◽  
C. Erik Hack

ABSTRACT The systemic host response to microbial infection involves clinical signs and symptoms of infection, including fever and elevated white blood cell (WBC) counts. In addition, inflammatory mediators are released, including activated complement product C3a, interleukin 6 (IL-6), and the acute-phase reactant secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2). To compare the value of the latter with the former in predicting (the degree of) microbial infection at the bedside, we determined clinical variables and took blood samples daily for 3 consecutive days in 300 patients with a new fever (>38.0°C rectally or >38.3°C axillary). Microbiological culture results for 7 days after inclusion were collected. Patients were divided into clinical and microbial categories: those without and with a clinical focus of infection and those with negative cultures, with positive local cultures or specific stains for fungal (n = 13) or tuberculous infections (n = 1), and with positive blood cultures, including one patient with malaria parasitemia. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) for prediction of positive cultures was 0.60 (P < 0.005) for peak temperature and 0.59 (P < 0.01) for peak WBC count, 0.60 (P < 0.005) for peak C3a, 0.63 (P < 0.001) for peak IL-6, and 0.61 (P < 0.001) for peak sPLA2. The AUC under the ROC curve for prediction of positive blood cultures was 0.68 (P < 0.001) for peak temperature and 0.56 for peak WBC count (P < 0.05). The AUC for peak C3a was 0.69, that for peak IL-6 was 0.70, and that for sPLA2 was 0.67 (for all, P < 0.001). The degree of microbial invasion is thus a major determinant of the clinical and inflammatory host response in patients with fever. Moreover, circulating inflammatory mediators such as C3a and IL-6 may help to predict positive blood cultures, together with clinical signs and symptoms of the host response to microbial infection, even before culture results are available. This may help in the designing of entry criteria for therapeutic intervention studies.


2021 ◽  
pp. 25-28
Author(s):  
M. Vijaya Kumar ◽  
Manasa Manasa

Acute appendicitis is the most common condition encountered in the Emergency department .Alvarado and Modied Alvarado scores are the most commonly used scoring system used for diagnosing acute appendicitis.,but its performance has been found to be poor in certain population . Hence our aim was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of RIPASA and ALVARADO Scoring system and study and compare sensitivity, specicity and predictive values of these scoring systems. The study was conducted in Government district hospital Nandyal . We enrolled 176 patients who presented with RIF pain . Both RIPASA and ALVARADO were applied to them. Final diagnosis was conrmed either by CT scan, intra operative nding or post operative HPE report. Sensitivity,specicity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, diagnostic accuracy was calculated both for RIPASA and ALVARADO. It was found that sensitivity and specicity of the RIPASA score in our study are 98.7% and 83.3%, respectively. PPV and NPV were 98.1% and 88.2% and sensitivity and specicity of the Alvardo score in our study are 94.3% and 83.3%, respectively. PPV and NPV were 98% and 62.5%.Diagnostic accuracy of RIPASA score and Alvarado score are 97% and 93% respectively. RIPASA is a more specic and accurate scoring system in our local population when compared to ALVARADO . It reduces the number of missed appendicitis cases and also convincingly lters out the group of patients that would need a CT scan for diagnosis (score 5-7.5 ) BACKGROUND: Acute appendicitis is one of the most commonly dealt surgical emergencies, with a lifetime prevalence rate of approximately 1 one in seven. The incidence is 1.5–1.9 per 1,000 in the male and female population, and is approximately 1.4 times greater in men than in women. Despite being a common problem, it remains a difcult diagnosis to establish, particularly among the young, the elderly and females of reproductive age, where a host of other genitourinary and gynaecological inammatory conditions can present with signs and symptoms that are 2 similar to those of acute appendicitis. A delay in performing an appendectomy in order to improve its diagnostic accuracy increases the risk of appendicular perforation and peritonitis, which in turn increases morbidity and mortality. A variable combination of clinical signs and symptoms has been used together with laboratory ndings in several scoring systems proposed for suggesting the probability of Acute Appendicitis and the possible subsequent management pathway. The Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Appendicitis (RIPASA) and ALVARADO score are new diagnostic scoring systems developed for the diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis and has been shown to have signicantly higher sensitivity, specicity and diagnostic accuracy. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES PRIMARY OBJECT 1. To compare RIPASA Scoring system and ALVARADO Scoring system in terms of diagnostic accuracy in Acute Appendicitis. 2. To study and compare sensitivity, specicity and predictive values of above scoring systems. SECONDARY OBJECT 1. To study the rate of negative appendicectomy based on above scoring systems. CONCLUSION: The RIPASA score is a simple scoring system with high sensitivity and specicity for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. The 14 clinical parameters are all present in a good clinical history and examination and can be easily and quickly applied. Therefore, a decision on the management can be made early. Although the RIPASA score was developed for the local population of Brunei, we believe that it should be applicable to other regions. The RIPASA score presents greater Diagnostic accuracy and Sensitivity and equal specicity as a diagnostic test compared to the Alvarado score and is helpful in making appropriate therapeutic decisions. In hospitals like ours, the diagnosis of AA relies greatly on the clinical evaluation performed by surgeons. An adequate clinical scoring system would avoid diagnostic errors, maintaining a satisfactory low rate of negative appendectomies by adequate patient stratication, while limiting patient exposure to ionizing radiation, since 21 there is an increased risk of developing cancer with computed tomography, particularly for the paediatric age group.


2013 ◽  
Vol 95 (3) ◽  
pp. 215-221 ◽  
Author(s):  
I G Panagiotopoulou ◽  
D Parashar ◽  
R Lin ◽  
S Antonowicz ◽  
AD Wells ◽  
...  

Introduction Inflammatory markers such as white cell count (WCC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) and, more recently, bilirubin have been used as adjuncts in the diagnosis of appendicitis. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the above markers in acute and perforated appendicitis as well as their value in excluding the condition. Methods A retrospective analysis of 1,169 appendicectomies was performed. Patients were grouped according to histological examination of appendicectomy specimens (normal appendix = NA, acute appendicitis = AA, perforated appendicitis = PA) and preoperative laboratory test results were correlated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve area analysis (area under the curve [AUC]) was performed to examine diagnostic accuracy. Results ROC analysis of all laboratory variables showed that no independent variable was diagnostic for AA. Good diagnostic accuracy was seen for AA when all variables were combined (WCC/CRP/bilirubin combined AUC: 0.8173). In PA, the median CRP level was significantly higher than that of AA (158mg/l vs 30mg, p<0.0001). CRP also showed the highest sensitivity (100%) and negative predictive value (100%) for PA. CRP had the highest diagnostic accuracy in PA (AUC: 0.9322) and this was increased when it was combined with WCC (AUC: 0.9388). Bilirubin added no diagnostic value in PA. Normal levels of WCC, CRP and bilirubin could not rule out appendicitis. Conclusions CRP provides the highest diagnostic accuracy for PA. Bilirubin did not provide any discriminatory value for AA and its complications. Normal inflammatory markers cannot exclude appendicitis, which remains a clinical diagnosis.


2000 ◽  
Vol 6 (1_suppl) ◽  
pp. 35-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
L E Graham ◽  
S Mcgimpsey ◽  
S Wright ◽  
G Mcclean ◽  
J Carser ◽  
...  

We have investigated prospectively the diagnostic accuracy, specialist satisfaction and patient–specialist rapport of a low-cost audio-visual link between a junior doctor with a patient and a consultant rheumatologist. Using a telephone link and subsequently a video-phone link, 20 patients, with various rheumatological problems, were presented by a junior doctor to the consultant rheumatologist for provisional diagnosis. All patients were then seen face to face by the consultant, when a final diagnosis was made. An independent consultant rheumatologist made a ‘gold standard’ diagnosis. Thirty-five per cent of diagnoses were made correctly over the telephone and 40% over the video-phone – there was no significant difference in the diagnostic accuracy between these two methods of communication. Rapport over the video-phone was universally poor. Where it was important, clinical signs could not be visualized over the video-phone and in more than 85% of cases small joint swellings could not be seen clearly.


2011 ◽  
Vol 58 (4) ◽  
pp. 111-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milica Berisavac ◽  
Biljana Kastratovic-Kotlica ◽  
V. Tosic ◽  
N. Markovic ◽  
S. Ljustina ◽  
...  

Acute appendicitis in puerperium is often diagnosed too late, because clinical signs can be unrelaible. Abdominal wall rigidity is rarely noticed in puerpeium because of weak abdominal wall muscles, laboratory parameters are not enough relaible and atipycal appendix presentation makes difficulties in diagnosis3,4. Knowing clinical signs and symptoms of appendicitis, possible complications and their early detection, make a chance for a good surgical outcome. Measuring of axillar and rectal temperature can take confusion in, and prolong time until surgical treatment. Leucocytosis in puerperium is not valid for diagnosis. We report a case of patient in puerperium with high laboratory infection parameters. Diagnosis of appendicitis is made based on clinical signs and symptoms, that is proved intraoperatively and histologicaly. Appendectomy without perforation carries less risks for mother and fetus.


2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 12-16
Author(s):  
Elina Silina ◽  
Asnate Jurgele ◽  
Arturs Viksne ◽  
Zane Abola ◽  
Arnis Engelis ◽  
...  

SummaryIntroduction.For acute appendicitis - the most frequent condition to perform an urgent abdominal operation in pediatric surgery - surgical appendectomy still remains the gold standard regarding treatment, nevertheless nonsurgical management has become more and more recognized as a treatment method for uncomplicated acute appendicitis (UAA). However there are still many unanswered questions regarding possible factors that could predict the treatment outcome as well as appropriate antimicrobial drug regimens.Aim of the Study.The aim was to investigate if there is a possible association between factors such as C-reactive protein (CRP) level, presence of appendicolith, the diameter of the appendix and treatment outcome; as well as to identify most successfully used antimicrobial drug combinations.Material and methods.A retrospective analysis of hospital cases, admitted to a single reference center during the time period from 2013 to 2015. Patients with clinical signs of acute appendicitis, elevated inflammatory markers and radiological findings suggestive for acute appendicitis were included in the study. Nonsurgical treated patients were divided in two groups based on the treatment outcome - successful or unsuccessful. Analysis of the three factors (CRP level, presence of appendicolith and the diameter of the appendix) and most commonly used antimicrobial drug regimen association with treatment outcome was performed.Results.Overall 384 children medical records with acute appendicitis were registered and non-surgical treatment was initiated in 147/384 (38 %) cases. Successful treatment outcome of nonsurgical management was identified in 114/147 (78 %) cases. Analyzing prognostic adverse factors results presents no statistically significant difference in association with CRP level >25 mg/l (p=0,479), presence of appendicolith (p=0,183) and the diameter of appendix >1 cm (p=0,183) with successful or unsuccessful treatment outcome. The two most commonly used antimicrobial drug combinations were - Ampicillin/Metronidazole for 49 patients and Ampicillin/Gentamicin for 44 patients. No relevance with treatment outcome and used antimicrobial agents was detected (p=0,597).The overall recurrence rate after initial presentation is 15 % (17/114). In 3 cases (3 %) recurrent appendicitis developed one month after discharge and in 14 cases (12 %) up to one year after discharge.Conclusions.Prognostic adverse factors - CRP, presence of appendicolith and diameter of appendix - were not statistically reliable in association with initial non-surgical treatment outcome. The success rate of conservative treatment with narrow spectrum antibiotics was 78 %, which is just as high as in cases treated conservatively with broad-spectrum antibiotics from previous studies. Therefore the question of which factors and antimicrobial drug combinations influence the course of treatment still remains unanswered and further studies are required.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tal Taraboulos Klein ◽  
Elkana Kohn ◽  
Baruch Klin ◽  
Tomer Ziv-Baran ◽  
Eran Kozer ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The typical history of acute appendicitis is observed in less than 60% of cases. Therefore, searching for a surrogate marker is mandatory. Our goal was to determine whether the soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (sTREM-1) is an efficient biomarker for acute appendicitis. Methods sTREM-1 serum levels were measured in addition to carrying out routine diagnostic tests (urine dipstick, complete blood count and C- reactive protein) in children admitted to the Emergency Department with suspected appendicitis. Statistical analysis was performed in order to examine whether sTREM-1 was a significant predictor of appendicitis. Results Fifty three of 134 children enrolled in the study were diagnosed with appendicitis. There was no significant difference in serum sTREM-1 levels (p=0.111) between children with or without appendicitis. Leukocytes, neutrophils and CRP were significantly elevated in the appendicitis group (p<0.001). The appendix diameter was significantly larger and the Alvarado score significantly higher in the appendicitis group (p<0.001). Conclusion serum sTREM-1 is not a good marker for acute appendicitis. Customary tests in addition to a proper patient history and physical examination are still the most effective methods to diagnose acute appendicitis.


2019 ◽  
Vol 43 (3) ◽  
pp. 141-147
Author(s):  
Murat Güzel ◽  
Recep Aktimur ◽  
Kadir Yıldırım ◽  
Sude Hatun Aktimur ◽  
Mehmet Hakan Taşkın ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a disorder mainly present in the Mediterranean region, characterized by abdominal attacks that mimic acute peritonitis. Therefore, FMF might be confused with other conditions presenting with acute abdominal pain, particularly acute appendicitis (AA). We aimed to evaluate whether epithelial-derived neutrophil-activating peptide-78 (ENA-78) and fibrinogen levels and white blood cell (WBC) counts could be used as potential markers in the differential diagnosis of acute FMF attacks and AA. Methods The study involved three groups: patients with AA who underwent surgery (group 1, n = 30), patients with FMF attacks (group 2, n = 30), and patients with FMF who were attack-free (n = 30, controls), which included patients who were diagnosed as having FMF previously but had no attacks for a month. Results Significant differences were detected in the ENA-78 and fibrinogen levels between group 1 and group 2. No significant difference was found in the WBC count between group 1 and group 2. It was concluded that the WBC count was more sensitive (66%) for group 1, and fibrinogen showed higher sensitivity (86%) and specificity (96%) for group 2 compared with the other parameters. Conclusions We suggest that AA can be distinguished in patients with signs of peritonitis who were diagnosed as having FMF previously with the use of ENA-78 and fibrinogen levels; fibrinogen and ENA-78 might be helpful in discriminating between FMF attacks and AA.


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