Diagnostic value of C-reactive protein in children with perforated appendicitis

• DOI: 10.1007/bf01957898
• Publication Date: 2005-08-01T00:58:08Z
• Authors: Jing-Liang Chung; Man-Shan Kong; Sung-Lien Lin; Tzou-Yien Lin; Chen-Sheng Huang; Chih-Chang Lou; Jer-Nan Lin
• Keywords: Male; Adolescent; Appendicitis; Sensitivity and Specificity; 3. Good health; Leukocyte Count; 03 medical and health sciences; C-Reactive Protein; 0302 clinical medicine; Intestinal Perforation; Child, Preschool; Humans; Female; Prospective Studies; Child; Biomarkers; Ultrasonography

The diagnostic value of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in children with perforated appendicitis was prospectively studied in 78 consecutive patients with histologically confirmed appendicitis. The patients were divided into two groups: group A included 56 patients with perforated appendicitis and group B consisted of 22 patients with simple appendicitis. Serum CRP level and leucocyte count were assayed in all and abdominal ultrasonography was performed in 75. The mean age group A patient was significantly lower than that of group B patients (7.5 vs. 10.4 years, P < 0.001). Group A patients had a significantly higher mean serum CRP levels than group B patients (92 vs. 31 mg/l, P < 0.001), while the mean leucocyte count was comparable in the two groups. Of 75 examined patients, 73 (97%) had a pre-operative sonographic diagnosis of appendicitis.Perforation is a common complication in children with appendicitis, especially in those of young age and with prolonged pain duration. Greatly increased serum CRP levels (> or = 50 mg/l) and abdominal ultrasonography are important diagnostic aids in such patients.