Inflammatory parameters as predictive factors for complicated appendicitis: A retrospective cohort study

Area of Science:

• Medical research
• Surgical diagnostics
• Inflammatory markers

Background:

• Acute appendicitis is a common cause of acute abdomen.
• Diagnosis is primarily clinical but often requires supportive tests.
• Delayed diagnosis can lead to complicated appendicitis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify preoperative analytical factors predicting complicated acute appendicitis.
• To evaluate leukocytosis, C-reactive protein, and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio as predictors.
• To assess the diagnostic value of these markers in appendicitis complications.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 841 patients undergoing appendectomy (Jan 2014 - Dec 2017).
• Comparison of analytical parameters between uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis groups.
• Multivariate analysis to determine independent predictors of complicated appendicitis.

Main Results:

• Complicated appendicitis cases had higher presentation age, symptom duration, and hospital stay.
• Leukocytes, C-reactive protein, and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio were significantly elevated in complicated cases.
• Multivariate analysis identified C-reactive protein as the sole significant predictor.

Conclusions:

• C-reactive protein is a reliable independent predictor of complicated appendicitis.
• A C-reactive protein level exceeding 63.3 mg/L suggests a complicated presentation.
• Prompt surgical intervention is recommended for patients with elevated C-reactive protein levels.