Application of Alvarado Scoring System in Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis.

ABSTRACT

This is a prospective study to assess the accuracy of the Alvarado Scoring System in predicting acute appendicitis in our set up.100 consecutive patients with suspected acute appendicitis were included in the study. They were given specific scores according to variables of Alvarado scoring system and then divided into 3 groups. Group A included patients with score of 7 or more and they underwent surgery, Group B included patients with score of 5-6 and they were admitted for observation and Group C included patients with score of 4 or less and they were discharged after symptomatic treatment. Patients from group B with increased symptom intensity (score 7 or more) in re-evaluation underwent surgery. Diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological examination. Reliability of scoring system was assessed by calculating negative appendectomy rate and positive predictive value .Out of a total of 100 patients 74 underwent surgery and appendicitis was confirmed by histopathological examination in 62 patients, thus giving negative appendectomy rate of 16.21% and positive predictive value of 83.79%.Alvarado Scoring System is a simple, easy and reliable tool in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis.