The correlation of Labeda scores and the severity level of acute appendicitis: a preliminary study

Background and objectives. Radiological examinations help clinicians establish the diagnosis of acute appendicitis, thereby reducing the number of diagnostic errors. However, many emergency departments have limited radiological facilities. The Labeda score is an appendicitis scoring system that might be a good alternative. This study aims to determine the correlation between the Labeda score and the severity level of appendicitis. Materials and methods. This preliminary cross-sectional study was conducted using clinical findings, preoperative leukocyte counts, and intraoperative morphological examination of the appendix in patients with acute appendicitis. Clinical findings were assessed using the Labeda score, while intraoperative appendiceal morphology was classified into catarrhal, phlegmonous, and gangrenous appendicitis. Results. The study included 40 patients with acute appendicitis who underwent appendectomy and had a Labeda score ≥10. Patients had varying degrees of appendicitis, with ages ranging from 17 to 74 years. Labeda scores ranged from 10 to 62 in men and 10 to 43 in women. The most frequent clinical features based on the Labeda score were fever in all patients; cough pain and leukocytosis in 92.5%; local defense in 90%; nausea in 82.5%; knock pain in 67.5%; and vomiting in 55%. A significant relationship was found between Labeda scores, sex, and the severity of appendicitis based on intraoperative findings. Conclusions. Higher Labeda scores were associated with more severe morphological findings of appendicitis. These results suggest that the Labeda score could be a valuable tool in the preoperative management of acute appendicitis, helping to reduce the risk of misdiagnosis or unnecessary surgery.