Role of alvarado score and biological indicators of c-reaktif protein, procalicitonin and neopterin in diagnosis of acute appendicitis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The determination of a definitive preoperative diagnosis of acute appendicitis (AA) remains a challenge; however, delays in diagnosis increase complication rates. The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of the Alvarado score (AS) alone and the AS combined with the use of the biological indicators of C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT) and neopterin (NP) in the diagnosis. METHODS: Serum was collected from 100 patients who were admitted to the general surgery clinic of Istanbul University, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty between March 4, 2014 and July 29, 2015 with the pre-diagnosis of AA and who agreed to take part in the study. The serum samples were stored at-70°C. The patients were divided into 2 groups: AA-positive (n=60) and AA-negative (n=40). The AA positive group was divided into subgroups of complicated (n=11), uncomplicated AA (n=49) and the AS, CRP, PCT, NP levels were compared. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 45 men (45%) and 55 women (55%), with a mean age of 32.8±13.7 years (range: 18-92 years). There was no significant difference between the groups in age and gender. There were 24 patients with an AS ≤4 (3 had surgery), 35 patients with an AS of 5-7 (22 had surgery), and 41 patients with an AS of 8-10 (38 had surgery). Three of the 63 patients who underwent surgery were diagnosed with a normal appendix. The serum CRP, PCT, and NP measures were found to be inadequate to make an AA diagnosis alone, these values increased the sensitivity and specificity of the AS. The biological indicators were also significant in differentiating between the complicated and uncomplicated AA groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Although the AS is useful, additional testing and clinical approaches are valuable to inform the diagnostic procedure. When considered alone, serum CRP, PCT and NP values are insufficient for a diagnosis of AA. However, they increased the diagnostic value of the AS and can be helpful in distinguishing complicated AA cases.

A comparative study on the diagnostic validity of three scoring systems in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in emergency centres

“…The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of the Alvarado + CRP system were 79%, 7%, 92%, and 20%, respectively. In a study by Fatih et al on patients suspected to have acute appendicitis, it was noted that incorporating CRP increased the diagnostic value of the Alvarado scoring system [ 22 ]. Also, Sonay et al showed that the combination of the Alvarado scoring system and CRP increased the specificity and reduced the sensitivity of the model [ 6 ].…”

Serum Laboratory Biomarkers to Estimate the Probability of Complicated Appendicitis: CRP and LDH

“…According to their results, in comparison of CRP levels of patients with and without acute appendicitis, a statistically significant difference was noted and patients with acute appendicitis had higher CRP plasma concentrations [15]. Dal and colleagues reported similar results, as well [16]. Furthermore, Kim et [20].…”

Comparative Study between Neopterin and Alvarado Score in the Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis and Its Severity

“…A similar study had been conducted in Turkey by Dal, where 100 patients studied for serum CRP, procalcitonin, and NPT and which were significantly higher in patients with focal appendicitis. They concluded that these markers diagnostic value and should be correlated with clinical features [18].…”