title: International normalized ratio and serum C-reactive protein are feasible markers to predict complicated appendicitis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Diagnostic approach for complicated appendicitis is still controversial. We planned this study to analyze preoperative laboratory markers that may predict complications of appendicitis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients who underwent appendectomy were retrospectively recruited. They were divided into complicated appendicitis and non-complicated appendicitis groups and their preoperative laboratory results were reviewed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 234 patients were included. Elevated international normalized ratio (INR) and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) were associated with complicated appendicitis (p = 0.001). On ROC curve analysis, area under the curve (AUC) of CRP and INR were 0.796 and 0.723, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  INR and CRP increased significantly in patients with complicated appendicitis. Further studies evaluating INR and CRP in patients undergoing conservative management for appendicitis are required.
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma Surgery, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Maru
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma Surgery, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Sung-Jeep
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma Surgery, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Hang Joo
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Cho
keywords: Appendicitis; C-reactive protein; Complication; Diagnosis; International normalized ratio