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


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Chung
J L
JL
Department of Paediatrics, Chang Gung Children's Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC.
Kong
M S
MS
Lin
S L
SL
Lin
T Y
TY
Huang
C S
CS
Lou
C C
CC
Lin
J N
JN
D000293:Adolescent; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D015415:Biomarkers; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000175:diagnosis*; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014463:Ultrasonography
D015415:Biomarkers; D002097:C-Reactive Protein