[The value of C-reative protein analysis for the differential diagnosis of non-acute appendicitis]

Appendicitis is one of the most common causes for laparatomy in children. Diagnosis can be very problematic, especially if appendicitis is combined with gastro-enteritis. Furthermore, difficulties can be encountered in diagnosis of diseases such as mucoviscidosis, leukosis, immunosuppressive or chemotherapy are present. In addition to the common clinical examination we have to look for other methods to complete the indication for appendectomy. Therefore in 1985 we added the CRP-determination to our diagnostics for patients with suspected appendicitis. In a retrospective study 269 patients who had signs of acute appendicitis were examined. We found that the determination of the CRP-level, in conjunction with the standard parameters of appendicitis, represents a valuable addition to the diagnostic armamentarium. However our data shows, that the CRP-level in itself cannot be regarded as a sole criteria for an unambiguous diagnosis of non-acute appendicitis, as it is the case with any other appendicitis parameter.