Diagnostic value of c-reactive protein and the influence of visceral fat in patients with obesity and acute appendicitis / Valor diagnóstico da proteína c-reativa e a influência da gordura visceral em pacientes com obesidade e apendicite aguda

ABSTRACT Background: The C reactive protein (CRP) is one of the most accurate inflammatory markers in acute appendicitis (AA). Obesity leads to a pro-inflammatory state with increased CRP, which may interfere with the interpretation of this laboratory test in AA. Aim: To assess sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of CRP in patients with AA and their correlation to body mass index (BMI) and body fat composition. Method: This is a retrospective study based on clinical records and imaging studies of 191 subjects with histopathologically confirmed AA compared to 249 controls who underwent abdominal computed tomography (CT). Clinical and epidemiological data, BMI, and CRP values were extracted from medical records. CT scans were assessed for AA findings and body composition measurements. Results: CRP values increased according to patients' BMI, with varying sensitivity from 79.78% in subjects with normal or lean BMI, 87.87% in overweight, and 93.5% in individuals with obesity. A similar pattern was observed for NPV: an increase with increasing BMI, 69.3% in individuals with normal or lean BMI, 84.3% in overweight, and 91.3% in individuals with obesity. There was a positive correlation between CRP and visceral fat area in patients with AA. Conclusions: Variations exist for sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV values of CRP in patients with AA, stratified by BMI. An increase in visceral fat area is associated with elevated CRP across the BMI spectrum.

RESUMO Racional: A proteína C reativa (PCR) é um dos marcadores inflamatórios com maior acurácia na apendicite aguda (AA). A obesidade leva a um estado pró-inflamatório com PCR aumentada, o que pode interferir na interpretação deste teste de laboratório na AA. Objetivo: Avaliar a sensibilidade, especificidade, valor preditivo positivo (VPP) e valor preditivo negativo (VPN) da PCR em pacientes com AA e sua correlação com o índice de massa corporal (IMC) e a composição da gordura corporal. Métodos: Este é um estudo retrospectivo baseado em registros clínicos e estudos de imagem de 191 indivíduos histopatologicamente confirmados com AA em comparação com 249 controles que foram submetidos à tomografia computadorizada abdominal (TC). Dados clínicos e epidemiológicos, valores de IMC e PCR foram extraídos de registros médicos. As TC foram avaliadas para achados de AA e medidas de composição corporal. Resultados: Os valores da PCR aumentaram de acordo com o IMC dos pacientes, com sensibilidade variável de 79,78% em indivíduos com IMC normal ou magro, 87,87% em excesso de peso e 93,5% em indivíduos com obesidade. Um padrão semelhante foi observado para o VPN: um aumento com o aumento do IMC, 69,3% em indivíduos com IMC normal ou magro, 84,3% em excesso de peso e 91,3% em indivíduos com obesidade. Houve uma correlação positiva entre a PCR e a área de gordura visceral em pacientes com AA. Conclusão: Existem variações quanto à sensibilidade, especificidade, VPP e valores VPN da PCR em pacientes com AA, estratificados pelo IMC. Um aumento na área de gordura visceral está associado à PCR elevada em todo o espectro do IMC.

Apendicetomía no terapéutica: revisión de 1 año en el Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell, Montevideo, Uruguay / Non-therapeutic appendectomy: 1-year review at the Pereira Rossell Hospital Center, Montevideo, Uruguay / Apendicectomia não terapêutica: revisão de 1 ano no Centro Hospitalar Pereira Rossell, Montevidéu, Uruguai

Objetivos: La apendicitis aguda es una de las patologías quirúrgicas más frecuentes en pediatría y la apendicectomía un procedimiento históricamente probado para su tratamiento. Sin embargo, se ha llamado la atención sobre la morbilidad y costos que implican los casos de apendicectomías no terapéuticas (ANT). Realizamos un estudio para determinar la proporción de ANT en nuestro hospital, analizar sus características y plantear hipótesis de trabajo que nos permitan disminuir su incidencia. Métodos: Se realizó un análisis retrospectivo incluyendo todos los pacientes que fueron intervenidos quirúrgicamente desde el 1/1/13 hasta el 31/12/13 con diagnóstico clínico presuntivo de apendicitis aguda, en el Hospital Pediátrico del Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell. Se analizaron la edad, el sexo, la vía de abordaje, los hallazgos intra-operatorios, el diagnóstico anátomo-patológico y el uso y los resultados del hemograma y la ecografía. Resultados: En el período mencionado se realizaron 287 apendicectomías en pacientes con diagnóstico de apendicitis aguda, de los cuales 146 (50,87%) fueron operados por medio de un abordaje convencional y 141 (49,13%) por abordaje laparoscópico. El índice de ANT fue de 10,1% siendo similares las tasas para ambas vías de abordaje (10,27% convencional vs 9,92% laparoscópica). Por otra parte, se evidenció una mayor incidencia de ANT en el sexo femenino (16,6% vs 5,8%). Respecto a la franja etaria, la tasa de ANT fue mayor entre los pacientes de 11-15 años(12,19%), mientras que para las edades comprendidas entre 6-10 años fue de 8,08% y para los pacientes de 0-5 años fue de 4,16%. De los 29 pacientes que presentaron apéndice sano, 12 presentaban adenitis mesentérica, una paciente presentaba una rotura folicular y una paciente presentaba una peritonitis de causa médica. En 15 pacientes no se encontraron otras alteraciones. Conclusiones: El índice de apendicectomías no terapéuticas en nuestro hospital fue del 10,10% en el año 2013. La experiencia internacional y algunos trabajos nacionales demuestran que este resultado es mejorable. Se plantea la utilización de algoritmos clínicos para mejorar la presunción diagnóstica y hacer el mejor uso de los recursos diagnósticos disponibles, así como la instauración de un sistema de registro y análisis prospectivo de los resultados clínicos en apendicitis aguda.

Objectives: Acute appendicitis is one of the most frequent pediatric surgical diseases and appendectomy is a historically proved treatment. However, attention has been directed at morbidity and costs of negative appendectomy (NA). Here we analyze the incidence of NA at our hospital and its characteristics in order to propose a working hypothesis that allows a decrease in its incidence. Methods: A retrospective analysis including all patients who underwent surgery from 01/01/13 to 31/12/13, with presumptive clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis, in the Pediatric Hospital of the Pereira Rossell Hospital Center, was done. Age, sex, surgical approach, operative findings, pathologic diagnosis and the use and results of laboratory and ultrasound, were analyzed. Results: In the referred period, appendectomies were performed in 287 patients with diagnosis of acute appendicitis, of which 146 (50.87%) were operated by a conventional approach and 141 (49.13%) by laparoscopic approach. The NA were 10.10%, with similar rates for both approaches (10.27% vs 9.92%, conventionalvs laparoscopic).A higher incidence of of NA was evident in girls, (16,6% vs 5,8% conventionalvs. laparoscopic ).With respect to the age group, the rate of NA was higher among 11-15 years old patients (12,19%), while for those aged between 6-10 years it was 8.08 % and for patients aged 0-5 years it was 4.16%. Of the 29 patients who had a healthy appendix, 12 had mesenteric adenitis, one patient had a follicular rupture and other had a medical peritonitis. In 15 patients no other abnormalities were found. Conclusions: The NA rate at our Hospital was 10.10% during 2013. The international experience and some national works prove that this result is improvable. We propose the utilization of clinical scores in order to improve clinical diagnostic and rational use of ancillary resources and the installation of a prospective registry and analysis system of results in acute appendicitis.

Objetivos: A apendicite aguda é uma das patologias cirúrgicas mais frequentes em pediatria e apendicectomia, um procedimento historicamente comprovado para seu tratamento. Entretanto, a atenção e a morbidade e os custos envolvidos em casos de apendicectomias não terapêuticas (ANT) chamaram a atenção. Realizamos um estudo para determinar a proporção de ANT em nosso hospital, analisamos suas características e propomos hipóteses de trabalho que nos permitem reduzir sua incidência. Métodos: Realizamos uma análise retrospectiva, incluindo todos os pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de 1/1/13 a 12/31/13 com diagnóstico clínico presumível de apendicite aguda no Hospital Pediátrico do Centro Hospitalar Pereira Rossell. Analisamos a idade, sexo, abordagem, achados intra-operatórios, diagnóstico anatomopatológico e o uso e resultados de hemograma e ultra-som. Resultados: no período mencionado, foram realizadas 287 apendicectomias em pacientes com apendicite aguda, dos quais 146 (50,87%) foram operados por abordagem convencional e 141 (49,13%) por abordagem laparoscópica. O índice ANT foi de 10,1% com taxas semelhantes para ambas as abordagens (10,27% versus 9,92% laparoscópicas). Por outro lado, houve maior incidência de ANT no sexo feminino (16,6% vs 5,8%). Em relação à faixa etária, a taxa de ANT foi maior entre os pacientes com idades entre 11-15 anos (12,19%), enquanto que para as idades 6-10 anos foi de 8,08% e para pacientes de 0 -5 anos foi de 4,16%. Dos 29 pacientes com apêndice saudável, 12 apresentavam adenite mesentérica, um paciente apresentava ruptura folicular e um paciente apresentava peritonite de grau médico. Não foram encontradas outras alterações em 15 pacientes. Conclusões: A taxa de apendicectomias não terapêuticas em nosso hospital foi de 10,10% no ano de 2013. A experiência internacional e alguns estudos nacionais mostram que esse resultado pode ser melhorado. O uso de algoritmos clínicos para melhorar a presunção diagnóstica e fazer o melhor uso dos recursos diagnósticos disponíveis, bem como o estabelecimento de um sistema de registro e análise prospectiva dos resultados clínicos em apendicite aguda.

Apendicitis aguda. Criterios de atención médica / Acute appendicitis. Health care criteria

INTRODUCCIÓN. La apendicitis aguda es la causa más frecuente de dolor abdominal agudo o dolor abdominal quirúrgico. El examen clínico usando la escala de Alvarado para su diagnóstico permite realizar una práctica evaluación de su condición. OBJETIVO. Unificar criterios en la atención médica ambulatoria, en emergencias y servicios de cirugía para lograr una adecuada y eficaz atención. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS. Se realizó un estudio observacional y el análisis de varios estudios, siendo las variables más consideradas la edad, presentación clínica, anatomopatología, antibioticoterapia y complicaciones del posoperatorio. RESULTADOS. Predomina el grupo de edad comprendido entre los 10 a 30 años, sexo masculino, el análisis anatomopatológico indica mayor número de la forma supurativa, la profilaxis antibiótica preoperatoria y la antibioticoterapia posoperatoria disminuyen las complicaciones posoperatorias. CONCLUSIONES. Una adecuada utilización de medios diagnósticos y terapéuticos redunda en beneficios para el paciente y la institución.

INTRODUCTION. Acute appendicitis is the most common cause of acute abdominal pain or surgical abdominal pain. The clinical examination using the Alvarado scale for its diagnosis allows a practical evaluation of its emergencies and surgical services to achieve adequate and effective care. MATERIAL AND METHODS. An observational study and analysis of several studies were carried out, being the variables most considered the age, clinical presentation, anatomopathology, antibiotic therapy and postoperative complications. RESULTS. Prevalence of the age group between 10 and 30 years old, male, anatomopathological analysis indicates the highest number of suppurative form, preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis and postoperative antibiotic therapy reduce postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS. An adequate use of diagnostic and therapeutic means benefits the patient and the institution.

Obstrucción intestinal en pacientes con apendicitis / Intestinal obstruction in appendicitis

Introducción: La apendicitis aguda como causa de obstrucción intestinal es una situación clínica infrecuente. Los objetivos de este estudio son los de definir la incidencia de obstrucción intestinal de acuerdo con la clasificación de obstrucción intestinal en apendicitis y la caracterización de su severidad. Métodos: Se diseñó un estudio de cohorte retrospectiva analizando todos los pacientes operados por obstrucción intestinal secundaria a apendicitis durante un periodo de 15 años. Se incluyeron variables continuas y categóricas tales como edad, sexo, periodo de tiempo entre el inicio de los síntomas y el diagnóstico, valores de proteína C reactiva, recuento de leucocitos, tipo de obstrucción intestinal y la puntuación del WSES Sepsis Severity Score. Resultados: Durante el periodo de estudio, un total de 3.626 pacientes fueron operados por apendicitis; en 44 casos se encontró una obstrucción intestinal asociada (1,2%). De acuerdo con la clasificación de obstrucción intestinal en apendicitis, la mayoría de estos pacientes presentaron un íleo mecánico con estrangulación del intestino (48%). La mayor parte de los pacientes (77%) presentaron una puntuación de 3 puntos o menos en el WSES Sepsis Severity Score. Conclusiones: La incidencia de obstrucción intestinal en apendicitis fue mayor de lo esperado. Estos pacientes presentaron una respuesta inflamatoria severa, con una puntuación en el WSES Sepsis Severity Score de 3 puntos. De acuerdo con la clasificación de obstrucción intestinal, la mayoría de los casos presentaron obstrucción mecánica con estrangulación.

Introduction: Appendicitis as a cause of intestinal obstruction is an infrequent condition. The purpose of this study was to define the incidence of intestinal obstruction according to the classification of intestinal obstruction secondary to appendicitis, and to characterize their severity. Methods: A retrospective cohort study analyzing all patients operated on for intestinal obstruction secondary to appendicitis within a 15 year period was designed. Continuous and categorical variables including: age, gender, time interval between onset of symptoms and diagnosis, C-reactive protein and white blood cells values, type of intestinal obstruction and WSES Sepsis Severity Score, were included. Results: During the period of study, 3,626 patients were operated on for appendicitis and 44 cases had associated intestinal obstruction (1.2%). According to the classification of intestinal obstruction in appendicitis, most patients had a mechanical ileus with strangulation (48%). Most patients had a WSES Sepsis Severity Score of 3 or less points (77%). Conclusions: The incidence of intestinal obstruction in appendicitis was higher than expected. These patients had a severe inflammatory response with a WSES Sepsis Severity Score of 3 points. According to the classification of intestinal obstruction in appendicitis, most patients had a mechanical obstruction with strangulation.

Apendicitis aguda / Acute appendicitis

Con el uso de las imágenes de creciente sensibilidad, el número de pacientes con diagnóstico de apendicitis ha aumentado, y una significativa proporción de ellos puede no progresar a apendicitis clínicamente relevante o puede resolver espontáneamente y evitar la apendicectomía. Existen reglas de predicción clínica que, sumadas a la tomografía computarizada o la ecografía, pueden tener una sensibilidad y especificidad significativamente altas tanto para descartar como para confirmar el diagnóstico. Los antibióticos deben ser considerados una válida opción terapéutica y su uso, discutido con los pacientes. (AU)

With the use of images of increasing sensitivity, the number of patients diagnosed with appendicitis has increased and a significant proportion of them could not progress to clinically relevant appendicitis or resolve spontaneously and avoid appendectomy. There are clinical prediction rules which combined with computed tomography or ultrasound may have a significantly higher sensitivity and specificity both to rule out as to confirm the diagnosis. Antibiotics should be considered a valid treatment option and its use discussed with patients. (AU)

The role of neutrophil lymphocyte ratio to leverage the differential diagnosis of familial Mediterranean fever attack and acute appendicitis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by attacks of fever and diffuse abdominal pain. The primary concern with this presentation is to distinguish it from acute appendicitis promptly. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the role of neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) to leverage the differential diagnosis of acute FMF attack with histologically proven appendicitis. METHODS: Twenty-three patients with histologically confirmed acute appendicitis and 88 patients with acute attack of FMF were included in the study. NLR, C-reactive protein and other hematologic parameters were compared between the groups. RESULTS: Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio was significantly higher in patients with acute appendicitis compared to the FMF attack group (8.24 +/- 6.31 vs. 4.16 +/- 2.44, p = 0.007). The performance of NLR in diagnosing acute appendicitis with receiver operating characteristic analysis with a cut-off value of 4.03 were; 78% sensitivity, 62% specificity, and area under the curve 0.760 (95% confidence interval, 0.655 to 0.8655; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that NLR, the simple and readily available inflammatory marker may have a useful role in distinguishing acute FMF attack from acute appendicitis.

Achados principais de exames laboratoriais no diagnóstico de apendicite aguda: uma avaliação prospectiva / Main findings in laboratory tests diagnosis of acute appendicitis: a prospective evaluation

RACIONAL: Apendicite aguda é a doença abdominal cirúrgica mais comum nas unidades de emergência. Embora o diagnóstico seja clínico, a realização de exames complementares pode ser útil na dúvida diagnóstica. OBJETIVO: Avaliar as principais alterações de exames laboratoriais em pacientes com apendicite aguda, assim como sua relação com a fase evolutiva da doença. MÉTODOS: Avaliação prospectiva de pacientes com diagnóstico de apendicite aguda submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico. RESULTADOS: Cento e setenta e nove pacientes participaram deste estudo, a maioria do sexo masculino. A idade média foi de 26 anos. Em relação à contagem de leucócitos, 46,9% apresentavam valores <15.000 mm3. A porcentagem média dos polimorfonucleares foi de 81,7%, de bastões 1,2%, de eosinófilos 1%, de linfócitos 12,8% e de monócitos 2,9%. A proteína C reativa foi solicitada para 54 pacientes. Ela foi <10 mg/dl em 19, entre 10 e 50 mg/dl em 24 e maior ou igual a 50 mg/dl em 11. Com relação à fase evolutiva 64% pacientes apresentaram estágio inicial (fases 1 e 2), 16,2% fase 3 e 35 fase 4. 57% dos pacientes com contagem de leucócitos totais maior ou igual a 20.000/mm3 apresentaram perfuração apendicular (p<0,05). A porcentagem de leucócitos polimorfonucleados de pacientes com fases iniciais foi menor em relação às avançadas (79,8% e 85,1%, respectivamente), com valor de p<0,05. Pacientes com fases avançadas de apendicite aguda a quantidade de linfócitos foi menor em relação às iniciais (9,3% e 14,8%, respectivamente), com valor de p<0,05. Noventa e quatro porcento dos pacientes com valores de proteína C reativa <10 mg/dl apresentaram fases iniciais de inflamação apendicular (p<0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Houve associações significativas entre contagem total e diferencial de leucócitos, valores de proteína C reativa e fase evolutiva de inflamação apendicular.

BACKGROUND: Acute appendicitis is the most common surgical abdominal disease in the emergency room. Although the diagnosis is clinical the complementary tests may be useful in doubt. AIM: To evaluate the main laboratory tests in patients with acute appendicitis, as well as its relationship with the evolutionary stage of the disease. METHODS: Prospective evaluation of patients with acute appendicitis who underwent surgical treatment. RESULTS: A total of 179 patients participated in this study, most were male. The mean age was 26 years. For leukocyte count 46.9% had values ​​<15.000mm3. The mean percentage of polymorphonuclear cells was 81,7%, 1,2% of sticks, 1% eosinophils, lymphocytes 12,8% and 2,9% monocytes. C-reactive protein was required for 54 patients. It was <10 mg/dl in 19, between 10 and 50 mg/dl in 24 and greater than or equal to 50 mg/dl in 11. Regarding the evolutionary phase 64% patients had early stage (stages 1 and 2), 16,2% stage 3 and 35 stage 4. A total of 57% of patients with white blood cell count greater than or equal to 20.000/mm3 had appendicular perforation (p<0,05). The percentage of polymorphonuclear leukocytes from patients with early stages was lower than the later stages (79,8% and 85,1%, respectively), with p<0,05. Patients with advanced stages of acute appendicitis, the number of lymphocytes was lower than the initial stages (9,3% and 14,8%, respectively), with p<0,05. 94% of patients with C-reactive protein values ​​<10 mg/dl showed early stages of appendicular inflammation (p<0,05). CONCLUSION: A significant association among total and differential leukocyte count, C-reactive protein values ​​and evolutionary phase of appendiceal inflammation was found in this prospective analysis.

[Diagnostic value of WBC count and C-reactive protein for detection of acute appendicitis in children]

The role of inflammatory markers in diagnosis of acute appendicitis has not been clearly defined. To determine the diagnostic value of WBC count and C-reactive protein in diagnosis or rejection of acute appendicitis in children. In a prospective study, 100 child with probable diagnosis of acute appendicitis [Alvarado score

Hiperbilirrubinemia en apendicitis: es un factor predictivo de perforación / Hyperbilirubinemia in appendicitis: is a predictive factor of perforation

Background: An elevated total bilirubin level can be a marker for perforated appendicitis. Aim: To assess and compare the predictive value of total bilirubin, C-reactive protein (CRP), white-blood cell count, the lapse of symptoms evolution, and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) for the diagnosis of perforated appendicitis. Material and Methods: Prospective study of 134 consecutive patients aged 33 +/- 16 years (63 males) operated for acute appendicitis of whom 49 had a perforated appendix. A preoperative blood sample was obtained to measure total bilirubin, C reactive protein and complete blood count. A systemic inflammatory response score was calculated. Results: The lapse of symptoms before operation was higher in patients with perforated appendicitis compared with their counterparts without perforation (105.2 +/- 79.3 and 38.6 +/- 17.5 hours respectively). C reactive protein values were 176 +/- 82.6 and 80 +/- 76 mg/1 respectively, (p = 0.01). Serum bilirubin values were 0.7 +/- 0.3 and 1.0 +/- 0.5 mg/dl, respectively (p = 0.05). Sixty five percent of patients with perforated appendicitis had a SIRS score between 3 and 4 points. A C reactive protein over 76.7 mg/1, a lapse of symptoms over 34.5 hours and a SIRS score of three or more had the best performance for the prediction of perforated appendicitis. Conclusions: The diagnosis of perforated appendicitis may be suspected based on CRP, SIRS, and the lapse of symptoms before operation. We do not recommend the use of total bilirubin to predict perforation in appendicitis.

Introducción: Se ha propuesto a la hiperbilirrubinemia como un marcador específico de apendicitis perforada. El objetivo del presente estudio es el de comparar el rendimiento para la predicción de perforación de la bilirrubina total (BT) y la proteína C reactiva (PCR), leucocitosis, el tiempo de evolución del cuadro clínico y el síndrome de respuesta inflamatoria sistémica (SIRS). Métodos: Se diseñó un estudio prospectivo y observacional, en el que se aplican curvas Receiver Operating Characteristics para comparar la sensibilidad y especificidad de las variables investigadas, se determinaron los mejores puntos de corte con la mejor sensibilidad y especificidad. Resultados: El período de tiempo de evolución del cuadro clínico se encontraba prolongado en los pacientes con apendicitis perforada (105,2 +/- 79,3 h y 38,6 +/- 17,5 h) y los niveles de PCR se encontraban muy elevados (176 +/- 82,6 mg/1 y 80 +/- 76 mg/1). La mayoría de los pacientes con apendicitis perforada tuvieron una puntuación SIRS entre 3 y 4 puntos. El valor de la PCR mayor a 76,7 mg/1, el tiempo de evolución de los síntomas mayor a 34,5 h y una puntuación SIRS de 3 puntos o más obtuvieron los mejores puntos de corte con el mejor rendimiento para la predicción de apendicitis perforada. Conclusiones: El diagnóstico de apendicitis perforada puede sospecharse cuando la PCR, SIRS y el período de tiempo de evolución del cuadro clínico están elevados. No recomendamos la medición de la BT como factor predictivo de perforación en pacientes con apendicitis.

Role of total leukocyte count in diagnosis of acute appendicitis

Acute appendicitis is a common surgical emergency. Diagnosis may be difficult with little help from radiological and laboratory investigations. Total leukocyte count is one of the helpful investigations, being evaluated in this study. The patients presenting with right ower quadrant abdominal pain whom were diagnosed as having acute appendicitis and later underwent appendicectomy were included in the study. The preoperative leukocyte count was compared with histo-pathology findings of removed appendix. Sensitivity and specificity of TLC was calculated by standard formulas. The sensitivity and specificity of TLC as calculated in this study is 76.5% and 73.7% respectively while positive predictive value is 92.5%. TLC although not a diagnostic criteria for acute appendicitis but still is helpful investigation in decision making

Rol del recuento de leucocitos y de la proteína C reactiva en niños con apendicitis / White blood cell count and C reactive protein for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in children

Introducción. Pocos estudios han evaluado el valor predictivo del recuento de leucocitos (RL) y de la proteína C reactiva (PCR) en diferentes puntos de corte en niños con apendicitis. El objetivo de este estudio es el de determinar los puntos de corte para RL y PCR en diferentes periodos de tiempo dentro de la evolución clínica de la apendicitis y establecer su utilidad en el diagnóstico de apendicitis y en la diferenciación entre apendicitis simple y perforada. Material y Método. Estudiamos 198 pacientes operados por apendicitis, dividiéndolos en 4 grupos de acuerdo al periodo de tiempo entre el inicio de los síntomas hasta el diagnóstico. Se construyeron curvas ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristics) para evaluar los valores de RL y PCR, los mejores puntos de corte fueron utilizados en el cálculo de la sensibilidad, especificidad y exactitud diagnóstica de estos exámenes para discriminar entre pacientes con y sin apendicitis y entre pacientes con apendicitis simple y perforada. Resultados. El RL y la PCR individualmente y asociadas, tienen una elevada sensibilidad para diferenciar entre pacientes con y sin apendicitis. La especificidad del RL y la PCR individualmente y asociadas para diferenciar entre pacientes con apendicitis simple y perforada es elevada pero la sensibilidad es baja. Conclusiones. El RL y la PCR pueden utilizarse para apoyar el diagnóstico clínico de apendicitis y dependiendo del tiempo entre el inicio de los síntomas y el diagnóstico, diferenciar pacientes con y sin apendicitis y discriminar entre apendicitis simple y perforada.

Background: White blood cell count (WBC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) at different cutoff values may have a predictive value for the diagnosis of appendicitis in children. Aim: To determine the value of WBC and CRP for the diagnosis of appendicitis and for the differentiation of simple from perforated appendicitis. Material and Methods: We studied 198 patients (aged 2 to 14 years, 96 males) operated for appendicitis divided in 4 groups according to the lapse between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis (12 hours or less, 13 to 24 hours, 25 to 48 hours and more than 48 hours). The gold standard for the diagnosis was the pathological study of the surgical piece. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed for CRP and WBC; the best cutoff points were used to calculate the sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy to discriminate patients with and without appendicitis, and patients with simple and perforated appendicitis. Results: At a cut off point ranging from 14600 to 15400 cells/mm³, the sensitivity and specificity of WBC to differentiate children with an without appendicitis ranged from 0.9 to 1 and from 0.2 to 0.4 respectively, in the different groups of children studied. The sensitivity and specificity for CRP, at a cut off point ranging from 4.7 and 9.8 mg/dl, ranged 0.9 to 1 and from 0.2 to 0.4 mg/dl respectively, in the different groups. Sensitivity and specificity values did not change significantly when both WBC count and PCR were considered together. The specificity of WBC and CRP, individually or together, to differentiate patients with simple and perforated appendicitis is high but the sensitivity is low. Conclusions: WBC and CRP have a good sensitivity but a low specificity for the diagnosis of appendicitis. For the differentiation between simple and perforated appendicitis, these laboratory values have a high specificity but a low sensitivity.

Clinically Distinguishing between Appendicitis and Right-Sided Colonic Diverticulitis at Initial Presentation

PURPOSE: Most patients diagnosed with right-sided colonic diverticulitis complain of right lower quadrant pain, which is frequently confused for appendicitis and therefore may result in unnecessary emergency surgery. In this paper we intend to differentiate between right-sided colonic diverticulitis and appendicitis by initial presentation in the emergency department. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 450 patients between January 1997 and July 2003. Among these patients, 92 with right-sided colonic diverticulitis were classified as group I; 268 patients with simple appendicitis were classified as group II; and 90 patients with perforated appendicitis were classified as group III. RESULTS: Prodromal symptoms were less common in group I (p < 0.05) than in the other groups. In comparing the location of maximal tenderness among groups, 19.6% of group I patients complained of maximal tenderness at a point lateral to McBurney's point, a greater percentage than those in groups II and III (p=0.002). Group I experienced less leukocytosis (10,913.8/mm(3)) than did groups II (13,238.3/mm(3)) and III (15,589.3/mm(3)). The percentage of segmented forms in the differential counts was also smaller in group I (73.6%) than in groups II (79.1%) and III (81.8%). In addition, the proportion of lymphocytes was larger in group I (17.7%) than in groups II (13.9%) and III (9.3%). CONCLUSION: Among patients complaining of right lower quadrant pain in an emergency setting, right-sided colonic diverticulitis must be considered in the following conditions to avoid unnecessary emergency operations: lack of prodromal symptoms, tenderness at a point lateral to McBurney's point, and absent or mild leukocytosis with a low fraction of segmented forms and a high fraction of lymphocytes in the CBC.

Ultrasound and white blood cell counts in suspected acute appendicitis / Ultrasonido y conteo de glóbulos blancos en casos de sospecha de apendicitis aguda

The use of radiological studies as diagnostic tools in patients with suspected acute appendicitis has increased recently. In this setting, abdominal ultrasonography is viewed as a possible means of avoiding unnecessary surgery. This retrospective study of patients who underwent laparotomy for suspected acute appendicitis was undertaken to determine the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound in diagnosing acute appendicitis and the frequency of leucocytosis in patients in whom the diagnosis was confirmed by histology. The ultrasound and surgery registers were reviewed to identify 254 referrals for abdominal ultrasound between January 2001 and December 2002 because of a clinical suspicion of acute appendicitis. Of these cases, 223 did not proceed to surgery. The study sample comprised 31 patients who had appendectomies after abdominal ultrasonography. The ultrasound reports, pathological diagnoses and white blood cell counts of these patients were obtained and formed the basis for the analysis. A histological diagnosis was available for 30 cases, in 17 of whom appendicitis was confirmed In these patients, positive ultrasound and leucocytosis were present in five (29) and nine (53) respectively. Ultrasound showed 92specificity and 29sensitivity for the pre-operative diagnosis of appendicitis. The positive predictive value of ultrasonography (83) was higher than that of leucocytosis (69). The sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound and leucocytosis in this study indicate limited utility as preoperative diagnostic tools.

El uso de estudios radiológicos como herramientas de diagnóstico en los pacientes con sospecha de apendicitis aguda ha aumentado recientemente. En este escenario, la ultrasonografía abdominal se ve como un posible medio de evitar una cirugía innecesaria. Este estudio retrospectivo de pacientes sometidos a laparotomía por sospecha de apendicitis aguda, fue realizado a fin de determinar la sensibilidad y especificidad del ultrasonido a la hora de diagnosticar la apendicitis aguda así como la frecuencia de leucocitos, en pacientes en quienes el diagnóstico fue confirmado mediante histología. Se revisaron las historias de ultrasonido y cirugía con el propósito de identificar 254 remisiones para la realización de ultrasonido abdominal entre enero de 2001 y diciembre de 2002, debido a una sospecha clínica de apendicitis aguda. De estos casos, 223 no pasaron a cirugía. La muestra del estudio abarcó 31 pacientes a los que se les realizaron apendicectomías tras del ultrasonido abdominal. Se obtuvieron los reportes de los ultrasonidos, los diagnósticos patológicos y los conteos de glóbulos blancos de estos pacientes. Estos reportes constituyeron la base del análisis. Se tuvo a disposición un diagnóstico histológico en 30 casos, en 17 de los cuales se confirmó apendicitis. En estos pacientes, el ultrasonido resultó positivo en cinco casos (29%) y la leucocitosis estuvo presente en nueve (53%). El ultrasonido arrojó un 92% de especificidad y 29% de sensibilidad para el diagnóstico preoperativo de la apendicitis. El valor predictivo positivo de la ultrasonografía (83%) fue mayor que el de la leucocitosis (69%). En este estudio, la sensibilidad y especificidad del ultrasonido y la leucocitosis, indican una limitada utilidad tanto del ultrasonido como del conteo de glóbulos blancos como instrumentos preoperativos de diagnóstico.

Validity of leukocyte count to predict the severity of acute appendicitis

To ascertain whether white blood cell [WBC] count with differential analysis may predict severity of disease in acute appendicitis. We conducted this retrospective study on appendectomy patients from 1996 to 2001, at King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We reviewed patient's age, gender, duration of symptoms, temperature on admission, WBC count including differential and the histological diagnosis of the appendicular specimen. We further analyzed the data of those patients found to have acute, gangrenous and perforated appendicitis to determine the correlation between a high WBC count and a more advanced form of appendicitis. Out of an aggregate of 232 patients, 162 were males and 70 females with a mean age of 23.7 years [range, 12-70 years]. Mean duration of symptoms was 1.9 +/- 1.1 days, mean temperature 37.8 +/- 1.4 degree celcius, with reported elevated WBC count in 167 [71.9%] and normal in 65 [28.1%] cases. Mean WBC counts in acute were 14.5 +/- 7.3 x 109/L, gangrenous 17.1 +/- 3.9 x 109/L and perforated appendicitis 17.9 +/- 2.1 x 109/L. This reflected a persistently higher WBC count in the complex [gangrenous, perforated] appendicitis compared with acute appendicitis [p less than 0.05]. The differential analysis showed neutrophilia in 123 [53%] and lymphopenia in 112 [48%] cases and out of these, 116 [94%] with neutrophilia and 107 [95%] with lymphopenia were reported to have appendicitis. A high WBC with differential count is a reliable indicator of the severity of appendicitis and signifies a more advanced stage

Accuracy in diagnosis of acute appendicitis by comparing serum C-reactive protein measurements, Alvarado score and clinical impression of surgeons.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the accuracy of a surgeon's clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis with Alvarado's predictive model and C-reactive protein (CRP) measurements. METHOD: The records of 231 adult patients between 14-75 years admitted to the hospital with suspected appendicitis from August 1999 to November 2001 were studied prospectively. Serum CRP measurements (217 patients) and Alvarado scores (231 patients) were performed before operations but were not taken into account prior to the decision to perform a laparotomy to compare the surgeon's clinical diagnosis. RESULTS: Based on the surgeon's clinical diagnosis, 193 patients underwent surgery, and 38 patients were observed. Histopathologic findings found acute appendicitis, confirming the surgeon's clinical impression, in 178 patients (positive predictive value = 92%) and normal appendix in 15 patients. Of the observed patients, 8 subsequently underwent operation for appendicitis (negative predictive value = 79%). Compared with the surgeon's clinical diagnosis (sensitivity 96% and specificity 67%), diagnosis based on an Alvarado score of > or = 7 had a lower sensitivity (79%) and that based on CRP of > 10 mg/l a much lower sensitivity (62%) and lower specificity (56%). Overall accuracy of these three diagnostic modalities were 90 per cent, 72 per cent and 61 per cent, respectively. However, median serum CRP value increased from 5 mg/l (range 3-188 mg/l) in patients with normal appendix, to 14 mg/l (range 3-222 mg/l) in patients with non-perforated appendicitis and 65 mg/l (range 3-213 mg/l) in patients with perforated or gangrenous appendicitis. CONCLUSION: The clinical assessment in diagnosing appendicitis by an experienced surgeon remains reliable and superior to either Alvarado score or CRP measurement. Nevertheless, Alvarado score and serum CRP measurements may be of value to the inexperienced surgeon, and a high Alvarado score and serum CRP should not be ignored.

Acute appendicitis in children in Kumasi, Ghana: macroscopic findings at laparotomy

Background A lot has been written about acute appendicitis in children in the developed countries but very little is written about this condition among children in the sub Saharan region. It used to be said that acute appendicitis is rare in Africa but this is no longer the case. We are unable to find, in the literature, any reference to acute appendicitis in children in Ghana. We, therefore, reviewed our experience with this pathology, especially the operative findings, in children using the Kumasi metropolitan area.Patients and Methods Ninety-six children admitted and treated for acute appendicitis from January 2001 to December 2003 were considered. The macroscopic findings at laparotomy were meticulously noted down and these form the basis for the analysis. Appendicectomy was carried out in all the 96 children.Results In all there were 67 boys and 29 girls, a boy to girl ratio of 2.2:1. the ages ranged from 1.8 years to 14.0 years with a mean age of 10.1 ± 2.8 years. Macroscopically, simple acute appendicitis (uncomplicated) was found in 13 (13.5%) and obstructive appendicitis (complicated) in 83 (86.5%) children. Postoperative complications consisted of superficial surgical site infection in 4, deep surgical site infection in 3 and incomplete wound dehiscence in 2. there was one death in the series- a mortality rate of 1.0%.Conclusion Acute appendicitis is no more a rarity in the sub-saharan setting as more and more people live affluently and adopt the western style of life. As a result of prehospital delay and also delays in diagnosis, complicated appendicitis was common among our group of patients

Leucograma, proteína C reativa, alfa-1 glicoproteína ácida e velocidade de hemossedimentaçäo na apendicite aguda / Leucocyte count, C reactive protein, alpha-1 acid glycoprotein and erithrocyte sedimmentation rate in acute appendicitis

RACIONAL: O diagnóstico da apendicite aguda é clínico, mas alguns indivíduos podem apresentar sinais e sintomas pouco característicos. As dificuldades diagnósticas ainda conduzem os cirurgiöes à realizaçäo de laparotomias desnecessárias, que atingem índices de 15 por cento a 40 por cento. Os exames laboratoriais, assim, podem se tornar complementos úteis no diagnóstico da apendicite aguda. O leucograma parece ser o de maior valor, mas a dosagem das proteínas de fase aguda, em especial da proteína C reativa, é objeto de vários estudos. CASUíSTICA E MÉTODO: Estudo longitudinal prospectivo, envolvendo 63 pacientes submetidos a apendicectomia por suspeita de apendicite aguda no Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, MG, de cujas amostras de sangue foram feitas dosagens das proteínas de fase aguda e leucograma. RESULTADOS: Foram 44 pacientes do sexo masculino e a faixa etária predominante entre 11 e 30 anos. A apendicite aguda foi mais freqüente no sexo masculino (69,8 por cento) e na faixa etária entre 11 e 30 anos. O tipo flegmonoso foi mais freqüente (52,4 por cento). O leucograma mostrou-se aumentado em 74,6 por cento dos casos e a elevaçäo da proteína C reativa foi observada em 88,9 por cento. As dosagens de alfa-1 glicoproteína ácida e velocidade de hemossedimentaçäo foram predominantemente normais. A proteína C reativa esteve aumentada em mais de 80 por cento dos casos em todas as idades. O leucograma e a proteína C reativa alteraram-se em 80 por cento dos pacientes com até 24 horas do início dos sintomas. Com tempo de evoluçäo dos sintomas superior a 24 horas, o leucograma mostrou-se alterado em 69,7 por cento dos casos e a proteína C reativa, em 97 por cento. Sensibilidade e especificidade do leucograma foram de 88,7 por cento e 20 por cento. Para a proteína C reativa, foram de 88,9 por cento e 10 por cento, respectivamente. A dosagem da proteína C reativa apresentou maior sensibilidade (96,9 por cento) para os casos de evoluçäo com mais de 24 horas, sem qualquer especificidade, entretanto, alfa-1 glicoproteína ácida e velocidade de hemossedimentaçäo mostraram-se pouco sensíveis e específicos. CONCLUSÕES: O leucograma e a proteína C reativa apresentam-se alterados de forma significativa nos casos de apendicite aguda, independentemente do sexo ou da faixa etária. O leucograma e, principalmente, a proteína C reativa devem ser exames considerados em indivíduos com tempo de evoluçäo sintomática superior a 24 horas...

Study of blood count in the validity experimental appendicitis in rabbits

A group of thirty six rabbits was studied, with weight ranging from 2400 to 3100 grams, in order to evaluate the blood test on the validity of experimental acute appendicitis. In order to do that, the animals were distributed amony three groups of 12 rabbits each, that corresponded to observation periods of 24 hours(Group A), 48 hours(Group B) and 72 hours(Group C). The presence of macroscopic appendicitis was verified in all the rabbits of the experiment on the three studied periods. The blood test study showed statistic significance when reading the values of haemoglobin, haematocrit and monocytes in Group C; of total and segmented leucocytes, eosinophiles, limphocytes and monocytes in Group B; when the groups faced each other, however, there was no estatistic significance. So, it was concluded that the values of haemoglobin, red blood, white cells and haematocrit are not suitable markers for experimental appendicitis in rabbits.

Macroamylasemia in a patient with acute appendicitis: a case report

Macroamylasemia is a condition of persistent, elevated serum amylase activity with no apparent clinical symptoms of a pancreatic disorder. In Korea, however, no such case has been reported to date. We report a case of a 17-year-old female diagnosed with macroamylasemia and acute appendicitis. One day earlier, she developed epigastric and right lower quadrant abdominal pain. She was characterized by high level of serum amylase, but normal lipase. Amylase isoenzyme analysis demonstrated increased fraction of salivary type and follow-up amylase level was persistently increased. Immunofixation disclosed the macroamylase binding with an immunoglobulin, consisting of IgA and kappa chain. The patient was treated by appendectomy, and the abdominal pain subsided.

Propuesta de una escala práctica para el diagnóstico temprano de apendicitis aguda / Proposal of a practical scale for the early diagnosis of acute appendicitis

Objetivo. Propuesta de una escala práctica, confiable y dinámica para el diagnóstico temprano de apendicitis aguda. Diseño. Estudio longitudinal, prospectivo. Sede. Servicio de Urgencias Médico Quirúrgicas. Hospital de tercer nivel de atención. Pacientes y Método. Se evaluaron 281 casos con dolor abdominal agudo de julio de 1995 a junio de 1996. Ciento cincuenta y seis hombres y 125 mujeres, con edad promedio de 28.4 años. Doscientos treinta presentaron apendicitis con confirmación histopatológica. Análisis estadístico. Prueba F y T. Resultados. Se realizó una escala para el diagnóstico temprano de la pendicitis aguda, basada en 3 signos (dolor a la palpación en cuadrante inferior derecho, rebote en fosa iliaca derecha, McBurney), 3 síntomas (dolor migratorio a fosa iliaca derecha, anorexia, náusea/vómito) y 2 hallazgos de laboratorio (leucocitosis < 10,000 células/mm3, neutrofilia < 7,500 células/mm3) a cada uno de los cuales se les asignó un valor para un total de 10 puntos. Siete puntos o más se consideró como candidato a cirugía por probable apendicitis. Los puntos promedio con la escala en pacientes con apendicitis fue de 8.9 y de 7.1 sin la enfermedad. Existen diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p<0.05) entre los pacientes con y sin apendicitis. Conclusión. La escala propuesta demostró ser útil en el diagnóstico temprano de la apendicitis aguda, puede ser de ayuda cuando exista discrepancia en el tratamiento oportuno