Resumen

ESCALONA P, Alex et al. Utility of C reactive protein and leukocyte count in suspected appendicitis. Rev Chil Cir [online]. 2006, vol.58, n.2, pp. 122-126. ISSN 0718-4026.  doi: 10.4067/S0718-40262006000200008.

Background: Appendicitis is the most common surgical emergency of the abdomen. C-reactive protein (CRP) is one of the acute phase proteins, it may be useful in the diagnosis of appendicitis. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of CRP and leukocyte count measurement in the diagnosis of appendicitis. Patients and Methods: The study was performed prospectively from March 2002 to July 2003. CRP and leukocyte count was measured at admition when appendicitis was suspected. Diagnosis was confirmed with biopsy and patients were followed one month after admition. Results: Seventy nine patients were included in this study, 43 (54 percent) were female. Mean age was 29 ± 12,5 years old. The mean time of symptoms before admition was 30 ± 24 hours. Fifty two patients (65 percent) underwent surgery; in 46 of them (88 percent) appendicitis was confirmed in biopsy. According to ROC curves the higher sensitivity and specificity for CRP and leukocyte count was 2,5 mg/dL y 12700/mm³ respectively. The leukocyte count had a higher sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), positive and negative likelihood ratio (LR) compared to CRP in diagnosis of appendicitis. CRP and leukocyte count combination had a higher specificity, PPV and LR (+). Discussion: Leukocyte count had more accuracy compared to CRP in diagnosis of appendicitis

Palabras clave : Appendicitis; C-reactive protein; Leukocytes; Diagnosis; ROC Curve.