accuracy of basic leukocytosis in diagnosis of acute appendicitis

ABSTRACT

Some basic laboratory examinations have been suggested as being helpful in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis, including white blood cell count. In this cross sectional study on adult patients, we decided to assess the accuracy of leukocytosis for prediction of acute appendicitis, in Loghman-Hakim hospital, 2002- 2004. From 736 patients, 456 were male [62%], and 280 [38%] were female. 96 patients were observed. The frequency of acute appendicits was 79%. Negative appendectomy rate was 8%. Sensitivity for Leukocytosis with history and physical examination was 84%. The range of specifity was 44-71%. By combining history, physical examination and leukocytosis, sensitivity and specifity increased to 94% and 74%, respectively. Accuracy of history, physical examination and paraclinic combination in diagnosis of acute appendicitis is higher than using one or two of these criteria. However, clinical judgment has the main role in diagnosis of acute appendicitis