Abstract

BELTRAN A., Marcelo; ALMONACID F., Jorge; GUTIERREZ C., Jorge  and  CRUCES B., Karina. Diagnostic score for appendicitis in children by Emergency Unit paediatricians. Rev. bol. ped. [online]. 2009, vol.48, n.1, pp.36-44. ISSN 1024-0675.

Background: Diagnostic scores are systematic methods that evaluate patients with suspected appendicitis. These scores help to structure the clinical evaluation, in order to reach an accurate and early diagnosis. Objective: Evaluate and validate a diagnostic score for appendicitis in paediatric patients. Method: Prospective study of 121 patients, ages 5 to 14 yearsold, with suspected appendicitis, from October to December 2005. A previously published diagnostic score was modified, replacing the neutrophil differential count for C reactive protein. The cutoff value in the score considered for surgery in any patient was established at 7 points. Results: All nonsurgical patients scored 0 to 6 points, while most of the patients submitted to surgery had 9 and 10 points. The score demonstrated high sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy. Conclusions: This score will be useful for an organized evaluation of paediatric patients with suspected appendicitis; however, it should not replace the surgeon clinical judgement.

Keywords : Appendicitis; diagnostic score; white blood cell count; Creactive protein.

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