New laboratory diagnostic markers in diagnosis of complicated appendix: A prospective study

Introduction: Acute appendicitis is one of the commonest surgical emergencies globally. Ensuring prompt surgical intervention with an early diagnosis of complex appendicitis might enhance clinical outcomes. Finding a trustworthy, easily measured marker is essential for the diagnosing complicated appendicitis preoperatively. Aim of the study: to determine whether hyperbilirubinemia, hyponatremia, and elevated CRP play a role in predicting complicated appendicitis Patients and method: among cases suffering acute appendicitis who attending the Emergency Department at Sohag University Hospital in the period from January, 2024 to December, 2024. 99 patients admitted for acute appendicitis were included, subjected to operative management, and postoperative confirmation of acute appendicitis by histopathological assessment. Liver function test including total bilirubin, acute phase reactants CRP, Serum electrolytes including sodium. Also, abdominal ultrasound was performed for all participantsResults: Comparing patients with simple appendicitis, those with complex appendicitis had considerably greater blood bilirubin, reduced sodium, and elevated CRP (P<0.001). Hyponatremia exhibited a sensitivity of 92.3%, specificity of 38.4%, and accuracy of 45.5% when compared to other biomarkers that were investigated for the prediction of complex appendicitis. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of hyperbilirubinemia were 92.3%, 38.4%, and 45.5%, respectively. Regarding the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of elevated CRP were 100.0%, 13.9%, and 25.3%, respectively.Conclusion: Hyperbilirubinemia, hyponatremia, and raised CRP levels are important predictors for complicated appendicitis.