Diagnostic Value of Hyperbilirubinaemia as a Predictive Factor for Appendiceal Perforation in Acute Appendicitis

A Retrospective Study Investigating the Diagnostic Value of Hyperbilirubinaemia as a Predictive Factor for Appendiceal Perforation in Acute Appendicitis

The values of laboratory examinations which are useful for the diagnoses of appendicitis are white blood cell count (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte blood sedimentation rate (ESR). However up to date there is no laboratory marker for the pre-operative diagnosis of appendiceal perforation in acute appendicitis. Recently hyperbilirubinaemia has been associated with appendiceal perforation. Aim of this retrospective study is therefore to investigate if hyperbilirubinaemia has a diagnostic value for the pre-operative diagnosis of appendiceal perforation in patients with appendicitis.

We identified 538 patients with histologically proved acute appendicitis who underwent laparoscopic or conventional appendicectomy between January, 2004 and December, 2007 in a surgical department of an academic teaching hospital. A retrospective multiple chart review of the medical records including laboratory values (bilirubin, CRP, white blood count) and histological results was conducted.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Appendicitis and a preoperative laboratory workup with Leukocytes, C-reactive Protein, Bilirubin and liver transaminases GOT and GPT

Exclusion Criteria:

• Alcoholism
• A history of viral hepatitis
• Gilbert's disease
• Dubin Johnson syndrome
• BRIC (benign recurrent intra-hepatic cholestasis) and other documented biliary
• Hemolytic or liver diseases associated with hyperbilirubinaemia.