Abstract: Background: Acute appendicitis is the most common abdominal emergency and its diagnosis and assessment of its severity remains challenging in many cases. This study aims at assessing the predictive value and credibility of elevated bilirubin, Platelet Distribution Width (PDW) and Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) as a diagnostic marker for acute appendicitis and its complications.
Methods: A prospective study of 150 patients, who underwent open or laparoscopic appendectomy were included in the study. Diagnosis was based on histopathological report of surgical specimen. Patients total serum bilirubin, PDW and MPV were analysed. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used assess these indices.
Results: The mean value of bilirubin and PDW was higher and for MPV was lower in uncomplicated and complicated acute appendicitis (p<0.001). The specificity and sensitivity of bilirubin, PDW and MPV for complicated acute appendicitis were 74.02% and 80%, 97.4% and 80%, 97.4% and 26% respectively.
Conclusion: Elevated bilirubin and PDW with decreased MPV are valuable markers of acute appendicitis and its complications and should be included in their assessment for effective and timely management.
