Delta neutrophil index and symptomatic time are effective factors for predicting perforated appendicitis.

ABSTRACT: Appendicitis is a common intra-abdominal inflammatory disease, and morbidity increases with age when perforation occurs. Because, not all patients require emergency surgery, there have been numerous studies on factors for predicting perforated appendicitis. In this study, we aimed to confirm whether the delta neutrophil index (DNI) and the time from symptom onset to surgery are effective predictors for perforated appendicitis in different age groups.This was a retrospective study conducted on 542 appendicitis patients who underwent surgery at Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital. The simple group consisted of 431 subjects, and the perforation group consisted of 111 subjects.Multiple logistic regression analyses demonstrated that age, neutrophil percentage, DNI, C-reactive protein (CRP), and symptomatic time were significant predictors of perforation. Analysis of the receiver-operating characteristic curve showed that the DNI was the most reliable predictive value. In the analyses according to age, the perforation rate was higher in the >65-year-age group; these patients also had a higher DNI, CRP, and symptomatic time. In the DNI analysis using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, the area under the curve was higher in the >65-year-age group than in other age groups. In addition, the cutoff values have been determined and perforation occurred significantly in the group with a DNI value of 2.1 or higher and a symptomatic time of 33 hours or longer.DNI is effective in predicting perforation in patients with appendicitis compared with other inflammatory factors. Furthermore, the simultaneous measurement of symptomatic time and DNI is helpful in predicting perforation and determining whether emergency surgery is necessary.

The Efficacy of Autologous Myoblast Sheet Transplantation to Prevent Perforation After Duodenal Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection in Porcine Model.

The recent advent of endoscopy has enabled the endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) of superficial nonampullary duodenal epithelial tumors. However, the substantially thin wall and presence of bile and pancreatic juice make it technically difficult to perform duodenal ESD without perforation, which leads to lethal complications. The present study evaluated the efficacy of autologous myoblast sheet transplantation for the prevention of late perforation after duodenal ESD in a porcine model. Two weeks before ESD, skeletal muscle was surgically excised from the femur of pigs, and myoblasts were isolated and seeded in temperature-responsive culture dishes to prepare sheets. Immediately after ESD, the autologous myoblast sheets were attached to the serosal surface at the ESD site with omentopexy. The pigs were divided into two groups: the autologous myoblast sheet group (n = 5), where the myoblast cell sheet was attached to the ESD ulcer part from the duodenal serous side, and the Omentum group (n = 5), where only the omentum was used. The pigs were sacrificed and analyzed macroscopically and histologically on postoperative day 3. The macroscopic examination of the abdominal cavity revealed perforation in the ESD ulcer area and leakage of bile in the Omentum group but no perforation in the Sheet group. A histopathological examination revealed that continuity of the duodenal wall at the ESD site was maintained with dense connective tissue in the Sheet group. In conclusion, autologous myoblast sheets were useful for preventing perforation after duodenal ESD.

Risks of COVID-19 transmission in blood and serum during surgery A prospective cross-sectional study from a single dedicated COVID-19 center.

The present pandemic caused by the SARS COV-2 coronavirus is still ongoing, although it is registered a slowdown in the spread for new cases. The main environmental route of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is through droplets and fomites or surfaces, but there is a potential risk of virus spread also in smaller aerosols during various medical procedures causing airborne transmission. To date, no information is available on the risk of contagion from the peritoneal fluid with which surgeons can come into contact during the abdominal surgery on COVID-19 patients. We have investigated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the peritoneal cavity of patients affected by COVID-19, intraoperatively and postoperatively. KEY WORDS: Covid-19, Laparotomy, Surgery.

Results of Laparotomy and Laparoscopy for Perforated Colonic Diverticulitis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The applications of laparoscopic surgery are expanding, but there is still controversy about its application in patients with peritonitis resulting from diverticulitis perforation. This study aimed to investigate the factors affecting the postoperative mortality rate in patients undergoing surgery for perforated diverticulitis. Further, we compared the recovery courses of patients between open and laparoscopic surgeries. METHODS: We analyzed the medical records of adult patients with peritonitis caused by perforated diverticulitis from six hospitals of Hallym University Medical Center from January 2006 to December 2016. RESULTS: A total of 166 patients were identified. In the univariate analysis, the statistically significant factors associated with postoperative mortality were age ≥ 60 years, body mass index ≥ 23 kg/m2, American Society of Anesthesiologists score ≥ 3, hypertension, serum blood urea nitrogen ≥ 23 mg/dL, creatinine ≥ 1.2 mg/dL, albumin < 3.0 g/dL, modified Hinchey score ≥ grade III, formation of stoma, and laparoscopic surgery. In multivariate analysis, serum albumin < 3.0 g/dL was the only factor associated with mortality. After case-control matching, we compared postoperative hospital course and prognosis between open and laparoscopic surgery groups. There was no significant difference in the clinical course between the groups. No significant difference was observed in the complication rate, reoperation rate, readmission rate, and mortality. CONCLUSION: Low preoperative serum albumin level (<3.0 g/dL) affects the mortality rate of patients after surgery. The hospital course and prognosis after laparoscopic surgery and conventional open surgery are comparable in patients with peritonitis caused by diverticulitis perforation.

Intestinal Perforation in ACTH-Dependent Cushing's Syndrome.

Previous studies have linked systemic glucocorticoid use with intestinal perforation. However, the association between intestinal perforation and endogenous hypercortisolism has not been well described, with only 14 previously published case reports. In this study, we investigated if intestinal perforation occurred more frequently in patients with ectopic ACTH syndrome and in those with a greater than 10-fold elevation of 24-hour urinary free cortisol level. Of 110 patients with ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome followed in two clinics in Canada, six cases with intestinal perforation were identified over 15 years. Age of patients ranged from 52 to 72, five females and one male, four with Cushing's disease and two with ectopic ACTH production, one from a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor and one from medullary carcinoma of the thyroid. Five had diverticular perforation and one had intestinal perforation from a stercoral ulcer. All cases had their lower intestinal perforation when the cortisol production was high, and one patient had diverticular perforation 15 months prior to the diagnosis of Cushing's disease. As in previously reported cases, most had hypokalemia and abdominal pain with minimal or no peritoneal symptoms and this occurred during the active phase of Cushing's syndrome. Whereas all previously reported cases occurred in patients with 24-hour urinary free cortisol levels greater than 10-fold the upper limit of normal when measured and 11 of 14 patients had ectopic ACTH production, only one of our patients had this degree of hypercortisolism and four of our six patients had Cushing's disease. Similar to exogenous steroid use, patients with endogenous hypercortisolism also have a higher risk of intestinal, in particular diverticular, perforation and should be monitored closely for its occurrence with a low threshold for investigation and surgical intervention. Elective colonoscopy probably should be deferred until Cushing's syndrome is under control.

Diagnostic value of hyperfibrinogenemia as a predictive factor for appendiceal perforation in acute appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: Acute appendicitis is one of the most common emergency requiring operation. As the first discovered coagulation factor, plasma fibrinogen frequently increases with inflammation due to the activation of coagulation. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the diagnostic value of hyperfibrinogenemia as a preoperative laboratory marker for appendiceal perforation in patients with acute appendicitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified 455 patients (202 females, 253 males; mean age, 31.7 years) with histologically confirmed acute appendicitis who underwent laparoscopic or open appendectomy. Results of preoperative laboratory values and post-operative histologic results were analysed retrospectively. A multivariate logistic regression model was performed to determine patient's age and laboratory tests associated with perforated appendicitis. RESULT: Mean plasma fibrinogen level of all patients was 3.99 g/L (1.41 SD; range, 1.73-10.6 g/L; median, 3.69 g/L). Patients with appendiceal perforation had a mean fibrinogen level of 5.72 g/L (1.52 SD; range, 3.38-10.04 g/L; median, 5.28 g/L), which was significantly higher than those with nonperforated groups (P = 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed fibrinogen and D-dimer were associated with perforation (P = 0.001, P = 0.014, respectively). Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of fibrinogen for discriminating acute perforated appendicitis from non-perforated groups were larger than white blood cell and D-dimer. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperfibrinogenemia was common in patients with acute appendicitis and fibrinogen may be useful as a predictive factor for appendiceal perforation.

Risk for lower intestinal perforations in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with tocilizumab in comparison to treatment with other biologic or conventional synthetic DMARDs.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk of developing lower intestinal perforations (LIPs) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with tocilizumab (TCZ). METHODS: In 13 310 patients with RA observed in the German biologics register Rheumatoid Arthritis: Observation of Biologic Therapy, 141 serious gastrointestinal events possibly associated with perforations were reported until 31 October 2015. All events were validated independently by two physicians, blinded for treatment exposure. RESULTS: 37 LIPs (32 in the colon/sigma) were observed in 53 972 patient years (PYs). Only two patients had a history of diverticulitis (one in TCZ). Age, current/cumulative glucocorticoids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were significantly associated with the risk of LIP. The crude incidence rate of LIP was significantly increased in TCZ (2.7/1000 PYs) as compared with all other treatments (0.2-0.6/1000 PYs). The adjusted HR (ref: conventional synthetic (cs) disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)) in TCZ was 4.48 (95% CI 2.0 to 10.0), in tumour necrosis factor-α inhibitor (TNFi) 1.04 (0.5 to 2.3) and in other biologic DMARDs 0.33 (0.1 to 1.4). 4/11 patients treated with TCZ presented without typical symptoms of LIP (acute abdomen, severe pain). Only one patient had highly elevated C reactive protein (CRP). One quarter of patients died within 30 days after LIP (9/37), 5/11 under TCZ, 2/13 under TNFi and 2/11 under csDMARD treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence rates of LIP under TCZ found in this real world study are in line with those seen in randomised controlled trials of TCZ and higher than in all other DMARD treatments. To ensure safe use of TCZ in daily practice, physicians and patients should be aware that, under TCZ, LIP may occur with mild symptoms only and without CRP elevation.

Ischemia-modified albumin as a predictor of the severity of acute appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: The early prediction of gangrenous/perforated appendicitis is of great importance for the surgical planning, further treatments, and predicting the course of disease. Ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) was previously reported as a biomarker of various ischemia-based diseases. Our aim is to determine the predictive value of serum IMA in the severity of acute appendicitis. METHODS: Sixty-two patients who underwent urgent appendectomy were included in the study. Plasma level of IMA was measured after diagnosis and before treatment. All patients were classified as noncomplicated (acute) appendicitis and complicated (gangrenous/perforated) appendicitis according to histopathological findings, and comparisons were made between the groups. RESULTS: The data of 62 patients with a mean age of 30.1 years were statistically evaluated. The pathological diagnoses were acute appendicitis in 33 (53.2%), and gangrenous/perforated appendicitis in 29 (46.8%) patients. There were significant differences in computed tomography (CT) findings (P = .031) and IMA (P = .012) levels between the groups. A strong positive correlation between IMA levels and CT findings was also found (Spearman ρ = +0.688, P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: The IMA can be considered as a novel and useful marker to distinguish gangrenous/perforated appendicitis from noncomplicated appendicitis. The correlation of IMA with CT findings also enhances the predictive value of IMA.

Postoperative arterial blood lactate level as a mortality marker in patients with colorectal perforation.

PURPOSE: This study aims to assess the clinical relevance of postoperative arterial blood lactate (LAC) level as a prognostic factor in patients with colorectal perforation. METHODS: Forty-two patients (22 males, 20 females; mean age, 70.8 years) underwent emergency surgery for colorectal perforation. The patients were divided into mortality and survivor groups. As a prognostic scoring system, Acute Physiological and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE-II), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), and Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome criteria were calculated. These scores, postoperative LAC level, and other data, including site and etiology of perforation, elapsed time from onset to surgery (eTIME), preoperative white blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts, preoperative C-reactive protein (CRP), and preoperative arterial blood base excess were assessed between the groups. RESULTS: The total mortality rate was 33.3 %. On univariate analysis, the APACHE-II and SOFA scores were significantly higher, and eTIME was significantly longer in the mortality group than in the survivor group. The postoperative LAC level was significantly higher in the mortality group (43.1 ± 14.1 mg/dl) than in the survivor group (23.8 ± 12.7 mg/dl; p < 0.001), and the preoperative WBC was significantly lower in the mortality group than in the survivor group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis using the mortality risk factors determined by univariate analysis (eTIME, APACHE-II score, SOFA score, preoperative WBC count, and postoperative LAC) demonstrated that postoperative LAC level was an independent risk factor for mortality. CONCLUSIONS: High postoperative LAC level was a useful factor for predicting high mortality rate in patients with colorectal perforation.

Cytokine levels in the preterm infant with neonatal intestinal injury.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to characterize the cytokine response of preterm newborns with surgical necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) or spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP) before surgical treatment and to relate these finding to intestinal disease (NEC vs. SIP). STUDY DESIGN: The study was a 14-month prospective, cohort study of neonates undergoing surgery or drainage for NEC or SIP or surgical ligation of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Multiplex cytokine detection technology was used to analyze six inflammatory markers: interleukin-2, interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-1 ß (IL-1ß), interferon-gamma, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). RESULTS: Patients with NEC had much higher median preoperative levels of IL-6 (NEC: 8,381 pg/mL; SIP: 36 pg/mL; PDA: 25 pg/mL, p < 0.001), IL-8 (NEC: 18,438 pg/mL; SIP: 2,473 pg/mL; PDA: 1,110 pg/mL, p = 0.001), TNF-α (NEC: 161 pg/mL; SIP: 77 pg/mL; PDA: 71 pg/mL, p < 0.001), and IL-1ß (NEC: 85 pg/mL; SIP: 31 pg/mL; PDA: 24 pg/mL, p = 0.001). Patients with NEC totalis (NEC-totalis had the highest levels of IL-8 and were significantly different from infants with limited NEC (28,141 vs. 11,429 pg/mL, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Surgical NEC is a profoundly more proinflammatory disease than SIP. The cytokine profiles of patients with SIP are closer to those of a nonseptic surgical neonate.

Spontaneous perforation of the small intestine, a novel manifestation of classical homocystinuria in an adult with new cystathionine beta-synthetase gene mutations.

The clinical picture of classical homocystinuria is diverse. This is the first report of an adult homocystinuric patient with non-traumatic spontaneous small bowel perforation. A 47-year old man presented with abdominal rebound tenderness, hypotension and tachycardia, anemia, and elevated markers of inflammation. Other routine laboratory tests were normal. Abdominal x-ray showed no free air. An emergency laparotomy revealed jejunal perforation in the left upper quadrant. Histologic specimen showed full-thickness nonspecific inflammation of the intestinal wall with granulocytic infiltration, hemorrhage and necrosis. Tuberculosis, actinomycosis and typhus were histologically and clinically excluded. After excluding all known possible causes of perforation, we presumed a causative relationship between homocystinuria and small bowel perforation. It could be hypothesized that connective tissue weakness in homocystinuria is a result of homocysteine interference with recombinant human fibrillin-1 fragments or cross-linking of collagen through permanent degradation of disulfide bridges and lysine amino acid residues in proteins. DNA analysis showed three detectable mutations in the cystathionine beta-synthetase gene, 1278T:c.833T>C, and two new mutations, V372G:c.1133T > G, and D520G:c.1558A > G in the aternatively spliced exon 15.

[Serum iron level in the patients with inflammatory abdominal diseases]. / Poziom zelaza w surowicy u chorych z ostrymi chorobami zapalnymi narzadów jamy brzusznej.

In our study we investigated serum iron levels in the patients with localized or generalized peritonitis. These values were compared in group of 52 patients with acute peritonitis against group of 39 patients without inflammation within peritoneal cavity. The serum iron levels and Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) was indicated in both group. Acute intraabdominal inflammation induced in all patients a state of hypoferremia. However, medium decline of iron level in patients with acute appendicitis or cholecystitis was smaller compare with that observed among the patients with generalized peritonitis caused by perforation of duodenal ulcer, perforation of large bowel diverticula or perforation of small bowel. It has been suggested that decline in iron serum level observed in those patients can be an element of metabolic response to trauma and represents a part of the innate immune system and thus constitutes the first line defence against infection. However, based on presently available knowledge we can not yet finally evaluate the clinical implication of serum iron monitoring in diagnosis and prognosis of the patients with peritonitis.

Diagnostic value of inflammation markers in predicting perforation in acute sigmoid diverticulitis.

BACKGROUND: The importance of inflammation markers in predicting perforation in acute sigmoid diverticulitis is not well known. Predicting perforation by clinical examination alone may be hazardous. If perforation is suspected, then appropriate diagnostic tools such as computed tomography (CT) are indicated, and surgical intervention might be necessary. METHODS: A cohort of consecutive patients with acute sigmoid diverticulitis diagnosed by CT and with complete laboratory findings (n = 247) were retrospectively divided into two groups, one with perforation (n = 86) and another without (n = 161). The latest values of C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell count (WBC), and serum bilirubin, as well as the activity of the alkaline phosphatase (AP) measured during the 48 h period before the CT scan, were assessed. RESULTS: In the Wilcoxon rank sum test CRP and WBC correlate significantly (p < 0.05) with perforation in acute sigmoid diverticulitis, whereas the logistic regression model shows only CRP to correlate significantly (p = 0.001) with perforation. The sensitivities/specificities for perforation are 98%/5% for elevated CRP (>5 mg/l), 86%/27% for a CRP higher than 50 mg/l, 44%/81% for a CRP higher than 150 mg/l, 28%/93% for a CRP higher than 200 mg/l, 88%/44% for elevated WBC (>10 × 10(9)/l), 35%/90% for hyperbilirubinemia (>20 µmol/l), and 35%/91% for elevated AP (>110 U/l). CONCLUSIONS: A CRP below 50 mg/l suggests a perforation to be unlikely in acute sigmoid diverticulitis, whereas a CRP higher than 200 mg/l is a strong indicator of perforation.

Repetitive low-volume blood sampling method as a feasible monitoring tool in a mouse model of sepsis.

Blood-based monitoring of immunoinflammatory and organ function fluctuations is essential in models of critical illness. This is challenging in diseased mice as repetitive blood collection may be harmful and/or affect end points. We studied the influence of daily sampling in acutely septic (days 1-5) mice upon survival and selected hematologic and organ function parameters. In addition, we tested the reliabilty of complete blood cell (CBC) count using resuspended blood cells. Female OF-1 and CD-1 mice underwent cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) and were subdivided into Daily and Day 5 groups. Blood was collected daily for 5 days in the Daily group and only on day 5 post-CLP in the Day 5 group. We tested 20 µL (both strains) and 35 µL (OF-1 mice) sampling volumes. The 35-µL volume simultaneously served to test the CBC reliabilty in resuspended versus unprocessed blood. Daily sampling did not affect the 14-day CLP mortality. Compared with the Day 5 group, daily 35-µL sampling in OF-1 mice decreased the red blood cell count and hemoglobin concentration by 22% and 23% (P < 0.05). In neither strain did daily 20-µL sampling affect the red blood cell count, whereas there was a 9% hemoglobin decrease (P < 0.05) in OF-1 mice. Although alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and glucose levels were comparable, urea significantly increased by 24% in the Daily group (20-µL volume, OF-1 mice). Interleukin 6, platelets, and white blood cell counts remained unaffected. There was an excellent correlation between regular and resuspended CBC for all cell types (r ≥ 0.9; slope, ≥0.9), except lymphocytes (r > 0.5; slope, >0.5). This method provides a feasible and safe translation of clinically relevant daily immunomonitoring to the mouse sepsis model.

Plasma soluble e-selectin in necrotising enterocolitis.

AIM: E-selectin is an important mediator of leukocyte-endothelial adhesion. It is expressed on activated endothelium, and shed into the circulation in its soluble form. In babies with necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), increased intestinal expression of E-selectin has been associated with multiple organ failure and an adverse outcome. The aim of this study was to determine whether increased circulating soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin) was associated with a worse prognosis. METHODS: With ethical approval, plasma samples from 20 infants with Bell stage II and III NEC were analysed. Both pre- and postoperative samples were available in 6 infants. The severity of illness was assessed using a sequential organ failure assessment score (SOFA) specifically designed for use in NEC. Plasma concentration of sE-selectin was determined by ELISA. Data, which were not normally distributed, were compared by Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and Wilcoxon signed rank test. RESULTS: Plasma sE-selectin was strongly negatively correlated with corrected gestational age at the time of sampling (r = - 0.425, p = 0.006). There was no association between plasma sE-selectin and outcome (death or survival to discharge), severity of intestinal disease (focal, multifocal or pan-intestinal), or SOFA score. Surgery for suspected perforation, however, caused a significant elevation in sE-selectin levels (p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: Plasma sE-selectin, a described marker of endothelial activation, is increased following surgery for NEC. However, prematurity appears to be the cause of an increase in sE-selectin level, confounding the potential use of sE-selectin levels as a predictor of severity of illness in NEC.

Factors associated with definitive peritoneal drainage for spontaneous intestinal perforation in extremely low birth weight neonates.

PURPOSE: Peritoneal drainage (PD) constitutes a definitive therapy for a subset of extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants with spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP). We investigated the factors which may differentiate these patients from those who require a laparotomy (LAP) after initial PD. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all ELBW infants (<1000 grams) who underwent PD at two tertiary neonatal intensive care units over a 42-month period was performed. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiological data of the entire patient cohort were collected. Patients who underwent definitive PD were compared to those who required LAP following PD. Statistical comparisons were performed using independent samples T-tests for continuous variables, and Fisher's exact test for categorical variables. RESULTS: Sixteen ELBW infants with SIP underwent PD. Five patients (31%) had definitive PD and 11 (69%) subsequently required LAP. Patients who had definitive PD had a lower percent band count at diagnosis (3.2+/-1.5 vs. 18.0+/-4.8; p=0.01), and were less likely to require vasopressor therapy at diagnosis and drain placement (40% vs. 91%, p=0.06), 24 hours later (40% vs. 100%, p=0.02), and 48 hours later (20% vs. 91%, p=0.01). There were no other statistically significant differences in any of the measured variables. Survival to discharge was 80% for PD and 82% for LAP (p=1.0). CONCLUSION: Peritoneal drainage for spontaneous intestinal perforation in ELBW neonates is more likely to be definitive in the absence of bandemia and vasopressor requirement. These may be important factors in deciding whether to proceed to laparotomy.

Predictive value of white blood cell count and C-reactive protein in children with appendicitis.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Few studies have addressed the predictive value of white blood cells (WBCs) and C-reactive protein (CRP) at different cutoff values in appendicitis. Our purpose was to determine the cutoff values for WBC and CRP at different periods during clinical evolution of appendicitis and to establish their use for the diagnosis of appendicitis and differentiation of simple from perforated appendicitis. METHODS: We studied 198 patients operated on for appendicitis, which were further divided into 4 subgroups according to the time from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed for CRP and WBC; the best cutoff points were used to calculate the sensitivity and specificity to discriminate patients with and without appendicitis and patients with simple and perforated appendicitis. RESULTS: White blood cell and CRP individually and together had a high sensitivity to differentiate patients with and without appendicitis. The specificity of WBC and CRP taken individually and together to differentiate patients with simple and perforated appendicitis was high, but the sensitivity was low. CONCLUSIONS: White blood cell and CRP could be used to support the clinical diagnosis of appendicitis, and, depending on the time from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis, to differentiate patients with and without appendicitis and discriminate simple from perforated appendicitis.

Plasma D-lactic acid level: a useful marker to distinguish perforated from acute simple appendicitis.

Early diagnosis of perforated appendicitis is important for reducing morbidity rates. The aim of this study was to determine the value and utility of plasma D-lactic acid levels in identifying the type of appendicitis. In this clinical study, plasma D-lactic acid levels were assessed in 44 consecutive paediatric patients (23 with acute appendicitis, 21 with perforated appendicitis) before laparotomy. D-lactic acid levels were determined by an enzymatic spectrophotometric technique using a D-lactic acid dehydrogenase kit. Patients with perforated appendicitis had higher D-lactic acid levels (3.970 +/- 0.687 mg/dL) than patients in the control group (0.478 +/- 0.149 mg/dL) and patients with acute appendicitis (1.409 +/- 0.324 mg/dL; p < 0.05). For a plasma D-lactic acid level greater than 2.5 mg/dL, the sensitivity and specificity of the D-lactic acid assay were 96% and 87%, respectively. The positive predictive value was 87%, the negative predictive value was 96%, and the diagnostic value was 91%. These results suggest that the measurement of plasma D-lactic acid levels may be a useful adjunct to clinical and radiological findings in distinguishing perforated from acute non-perforated appendicitis in children.

SOFA score predicts postoperative outcome of patients with colorectal perforation.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Colorectal perforation remains a life-threatening condition associated with high mortality. Various factors and operative procedures have been discussed in regard to prediction of outcome, and several scoring systems have been proposed to predict the outcome of critically ill patients. The present study was undertaken to identify factors and determine predictive scoring systems for the postoperative outcome of patients with colorectal perforation. METHODOLOGY: Between January 1996 and December 2000, 45 consecutive patients underwent emergency operation for colorectal perforation. Twelve patients (26.7%) died in hospital. The correlation of outcome with various preoperative factors, APACHE II and SOFA scores were assessed retrospectively. RESULTS: Univariate analysis showed that outcome was significantly related to maximum SOFA score (p=0.0069). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the maximum SOFA score was an independent predictor (p=0.016). Serum creatinine level (p=0.013) and platelet count (p=0.036) were associated with patient outcome in the SOFA score. Patients with a SOFA score higher than 7 had a greater risk of hospital death (p=0.0085). CONCLUSIONS: The maximum postoperative SOFA score is a useful predictor of the outcome from surgery for colorectal perforation.

The association of elevated percent bands on admission with failure and complications of interval appendectomy.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The routine use of interval appendectomy for the treatment of perforated appendicitis, with or without abscess, remains controversial. The purpose of this study is to confirm the efficacy of this approach and to identify factors associated with failures and complications. METHODS: All patients (n = 101) with their clinical diagnosis of perforated appendicitis confirmed with imaging were treated prospectively with fluids and intravenous antibiotics (clindamycin, ceftazidime) and were discharged home on oral fluids and analgesics regardless of fever. Intravenous antibiotics were continued at home until the patients were afebrile for 48 hours, and their white blood cell and differential counts were normal. Patients were readmitted at 8 to 12 weeks for an interval appendectomy. Failure to improve by 72 hours of antibiotic therapy mandated an early appendectomy. P values were determined by chi(2) analysis and Student's t test. RESULTS: The 79 patients (78%) successfully treated with interval appendectomy had an overall 6.3% complication rate, and total hospitalization averaged 5.2 days. The treatment in 21 of 22 patients (22%) requiring early appendectomy failed because of a clinical picture suggesting small bowel obstruction. The patients with the failed procedures had a complication rate of 50% and were hospitalized an average of 12.8 days. The overall complication rate for the 101 patients was 15.8%, and the overall total hospitalization was 6.9 days. Patients requiring early appendectomy had a more frequent finding resembling a small bowel obstruction on their initial x-ray (50% v 13%, P = .004) and a higher percent band count on their initial differential blood cell count (22.6% v 7.6%, P<0.0001) than did those successfully treated with interval appendectomy. An initial band count <15% was predictive of an uncomplicated course (84% positive predictive value). CONCLUSIONS: Interval appendectomy without complications is successful in the majority of patients with perforated appendicitis. An elevated initial band count > or =15% is associated with an increased likelihood of failure and complications.