Resumo

BELTRAN A, MARCELO; ALMONACID F, JORGE; GUTIERREZ C, JORGE  e  CRUCES B, KARINA. Diagnostic score for appendicitis in children by Emergency Unit paediatricians. Rev. chil. pediatr. [online]. 2007, vol.78, n.6, pp. 584-591. ISSN 0370-4106.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0370-41062007000700003.

Background: Diagnostic scores are systematic methods that evaluate patients with suspected appendicitis. These scores help to structure the clinical evaluation, in order to reach an accurate and early diagnosis. Objective: Evaluate and validate a diagnostic score for appendicitis in paediatric patients. Method: Prospective study of 121 patients, ages 5 to 14 years-old, with suspected appendicitis, from October to December 2005. A previously published diagnostic score was modified, replacing the neutrophil differential count for C - reactive protein. The cut-off value in the score considered for surgery in any patient was established at 7 points. Results: All non-surgical patients scored 0 to 6 points, while most of the patients submitted to surgery had 9 and 10 points. The score demonstrated high sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy. Conclusions: This score will be useful for an organized evaluation of paediatric patients with suspected appendicitis; however, it should not replace the surgeon clinical judgement

Palavras-chave : Appendicitis; diagnostic score; white blood cell count; C-reactive protein.