Predictive value of leucocyte count, c-reactive protein, ultrasonography and laparoscopy in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in children

In a prospective study, the mean preoperative leucocyte count, C- reactive protein [CRP] value, ultrasonographic outer appendiceal diameter and diagnostic laparoscopy [when needed] in 120 children suspected of having acute appendicitis were studied. The patients were divided into three groups. Diagnostic laparoscopy allowed the correction of the preoperative suspected diagnosis of acute appendicitis in seven patients in group I, thus preventing an unnecessary appendectomy. The study also revealed a significant increase in the leucocytic count and appendiceal diameter in groups II and III compared with group I. Moreover, there was a significant increase in CRP in group III compared with groups I and II