1
|
Tian BWCA, Agnoletti V, Ansaloni L, Coccolini F, Bravi F, Sartelli M, Vallicelli C, Catena F. Management of Intra-Abdominal Infections: The Role of Procalcitonin. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1406. [PMID: 37760703 PMCID: PMC10525176 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12091406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with intra-abdominal sepsis suffer from significant mortality and morbidity. The main pillars of treatment for intra-abdominal infections are (1) source control and (2) early delivery of antibiotics. Antibiotic therapy should be started as soon as possible. However, the duration of antibiotics remains a matter of debate. Prolonged antibiotic delivery can lead to increased microbial resistance and the development of nosocomial infections. There has been much research on biomarkers and their ability to aid the decision on when to stop antibiotics. Some of these biomarkers include interleukins, C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT). PCT's value as a biomarker has been a focus area of research in recent years. Most studies use either a cut-off value of 0.50 ng/mL or an >80% reduction in PCT levels to determine when to stop antibiotics. This paper performs a literature review and provides a synthesized up-to-date global overview on the value of PCT in managing intra-abdominal infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian W. C. A. Tian
- Department of General Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, Singapore 169608, Singapore;
| | - Vanni Agnoletti
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, M. Bufalini Hospital, 47521 Cesena, Italy
| | - Luca Ansaloni
- Department of Surgery, Pavia University Hospital, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Federico Coccolini
- General, Emergency and Trauma Surgery Department, Pisa University Hospital, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Massimo Sartelli
- Department of Surgery, Macerata Hospital, Via Santa Lucia 2, 62100 Macerata, Italy
| | - Carlo Vallicelli
- Department of Emergency and Trauma Surgery, M. Bufalini Hospital, 47521 Cesena, Italy
| | - Fausto Catena
- Department of Surgery, “Maurizio Bufalini” Hospital, 47521 Cesena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Muacevic A, Adler JR. The Use of Procalcitonin in the Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis: A Systematic Review. Cureus 2022; 14:e30292. [PMID: 36407148 PMCID: PMC9655768 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.30292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute appendicitis (AA) is one of the most common surgical pathologies. Its diagnosis is often carried out based on clinical signs and symptoms, with additional minimally invasive tests (i.e., blood testing) done to support the diagnosis. Procalcitonin (PCT) is a relatively novel biomarker that is starting to be used by clinicians for patients admitted into hospitals with a variety of infections. Its level can be used to identify the presence of infection. The aim of this review is to assess how useful PCT is as a biomarker in supporting clinicians' assessment of patients with suspected appendicitis. METHODS A systematic literature search was carried out, yielding a total of 16 primary research papers deemed appropriate for appraisal. RESULTS The usefulness of PCT in aiding the diagnosis of AA depends on the severity of appendicitis. Patients who experience complicated appendicitis (CAA) such as perforation, gangrene, or necrosis have a significantly raised PCT level (p<0.05) compared to those with uncomplicated appendicitis (UAA) and a variety of other non-appendiceal intra-abdominal pathologies. CONCLUSIONS The use of PCT in UAA is weak, however, PCT was deemed useful in helping predict CAA, thus helping portray the severity of infection. This, in turn, will help ensure patients are taken to the operating theatre in a timely and safe manner for subsequent appendicectomy.
Collapse
|
3
|
Gilbert DN. Neglected Variables in the Interpretation of Serum Procalcitonin Levels in Patients With Septic Shock. J Infect Dis 2021; 222:S96-S102. [PMID: 32691829 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The interpretation of serum procalcitonin (PCT) levels in septic patients is facilitated by reviewing the known stimuli that activate the PCT family of genes. Herein we describe 7 pathways that, alone or in combination, can increase serum PCT levels. As a marker of activation of innate immunity, high PCT levels affect clinical diagnosis, can be trended as a measure of "source" control, and can guide duration of antibacterial therapy in septic patients. Low PCT levels reflect little to no activation of an innate immune response, influence the differential diagnosis, and support the discontinuation of empiric antibiotic therapy. Understanding the pathways that result in elevated serum PCT levels is necessary for interpretation and subsequent clinical management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David N Gilbert
- Department of Medical Education, Providence Portland Medical Center and Oregon Health & Sciences University, Portland, Oregon
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Guaitoli E, Gallo G, Cardone E, Conti L, Famularo S, Formisano G, Galli F, Giuliani G, Martino A, Pasculli A, Patini R, Soriero D, Pappalardo V, Casoni Pattacini G, Sparavigna M, Meniconi R, Mazzari A, Barra F, Orsenigo E, Pertile D. Consensus Statement of the Italian Polispecialistic Society of Young Surgeons (SPIGC): Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Appendicitis. J INVEST SURG 2020; 34:1089-1103. [PMID: 32167385 DOI: 10.1080/08941939.2020.1740360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background: Acute appendicitis (AA) is one of the most common causes of abdominal pain requiring surgical intervention. Approximately 20% of AA cases are characterized by complications such as gangrene, abscesses, perforation, or diffuse peritonitis, which increase patients' morbidity and mortality. Diagnosis of AA can be difficult, and evaluation of clinical signs, laboratory index and imaging should be part of the management of patients with suspicion of AA.Methods: This consensus statement was written in relation to the most recent evidence for diagnosis and treatment of AA, performing a literature review on the most largely adopted scientific sources. The members of the SPIGC (Italian Polispecialistic Society of Young Surgeons) worked jointly to draft it. The recommendations were defined and graded based on the current levels of evidence and in accordance with the criteria adopted by the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) for the strength of the recommendations.Results: Fever and migratory pain tend to be present in patients with suspicion of AA. Laboratory and radiological examinations are commonly employed in the clinical practice, but today also scoring systems based on clinical signs and laboratory data have slowly been adopted for diagnostic purpose. The clinical presentation of AA in children, pregnant and elderly patients can be unusual, leading to more difficult and delayed diagnosis. Surgery is the best option in case of complicated AA, whereas it is not mandatory in case of uncomplicated AA. Laparoscopic surgical treatment is feasible and recommended. Postoperative antibiotic treatment is recommended only in patients with complicated AA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Gaetano Gallo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Eleonora Cardone
- Department of Surgery, Santa Maria del Popolo degli Incurabili Hospital, Napoli, Italy
| | - Luigi Conti
- Department of Surgery, G. Da Saliceto Hospital, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Simone Famularo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery University of Milan Bicocca HPB Unit, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Formisano
- Department of General and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Misericordia Hospital, Grosseto, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Giuliani
- Department of General and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Misericordia Hospital, Grosseto, Italy
| | - Antonio Martino
- Department of General Surgery, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | | | - Romeo Patini
- Odontostomatology and Oral Surgery, Sacro Cuore Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Soriero
- Department of General Surgery, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | | | | | - Marco Sparavigna
- Department of General Surgery, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Roberto Meniconi
- Department of General Surgeon and Transplantations, San Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Mazzari
- Mini Invasive and General Surgery, Cristo Re Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Barra
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Elena Orsenigo
- Department of General and Emergency Surgery, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Davide Pertile
- Department of General Surgery, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Paudel R, Dogra P, Montgomery-Yates AA, Coz Yataco A. Procalcitonin: A promising tool or just another overhyped test? Int J Med Sci 2020; 17:332-337. [PMID: 32132868 PMCID: PMC7053349 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.39367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Sepsis is the leading cause of death worldwide. Timely administration of antibiotics is recognized as the cornerstone in the management of sepsis. However, inappropriate use of antibiotics may lead to adverse effects and the selection of drug-resistant pathogens. Microbiological cultures remain the gold standard to diagnose infection despite their low sensitivity and the intrinsic delay to obtain the results. Certain biomarkers have the benefit of rapid turnover, potentially providing an advantage in timely diagnosis leading to accurate treatment. Over the last few decades, there is an ongoing quest for the ideal biomarker in sepsis. Procalcitonin (PCT), when used alone or alongside additional clinical information, has shown to be a promising tool to aid in the diagnosis and management of patients with sepsis. In February 2017, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of PCT to guide antibiotic treatment in lower respiratory tract infections and sepsis. Despite a good negative predictive value for bacterial infection, the utility of PCT-guided antibiotic initiation is conflicting at best. On the other hand, the use of PCT-guided antibiotic discontinuation has shown to reduce the duration of antibiotic use, the associated adverse effects, and to decrease the overall mortality. The current review discusses the history and pathophysiology of procalcitonin, synthesizes its utility in the diagnosis and management of sepsis, highlights its limitations and compares it with other biomarkers in sepsis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robin Paudel
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Prerna Dogra
- Division of Hospital Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | | | - Angel Coz Yataco
- Lexington Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Lexington, Kentucky
- University of Kentucky College of Medicine
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Accuracy of Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) and Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) for the Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis: Evaluation of Possible New Biomarkers. ADVANCED JOURNAL OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2019; 4:e20. [PMID: 32322788 PMCID: PMC7163259 DOI: 10.22114/ajem.v0i0.194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Acute appendicitis is the most common cause of the abdominal pain in surgery. Despite its significant prevalence, the diagnosis is associated with many problems in some cases, which leads to false appendectomy. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the validity of diagnostic tests of mean platelet volume (MPV) and red cell distribution width (RDW), as a new possible tool in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Methods: In this study, all patients who referred to the emergency department of Besat Hospital, Hamadan, Iran, in 2015, with abdominal pain and first impression of acute appendicitis, undergone appendectomy, were evaluated. The diagnostic markers of pre-operative and post-operative pathology and the validity of MPV and RDW were determined in diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Results: Laboratory and clinical data from 438 patients, presenting the signs and symptoms of acute appendicitis with the mean age of 26.51±13.9 years, were examined (55.6% men). The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of MPV in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis were 59.77, 98.66, 99.5 and 34.26 percent, and for the RDW were 57.79, 56.00, 86.07 and 21.98 percent, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for RDW and MPV was 0.61and 0.90, respectively. The mean of MPV in patients with normal pathologic outcome was 9.52±1.60 and in patients with acute appendicitis was 7.51±1.22. There was a significant difference between the mean MPV in both groups (p<0.001). The mean of RDW in patients with normal pathology were 13.42±1.97 and 13.05±1.09, in patients with acute appendicitis. There was a significant difference between the mean RDW of the two groups (p=0.009). Conclusion: MPV and RDW indexes have the potential to be used by the surgeons in diagnosis of acute and perforated appendicitis, especially in adults, in order to reduce unnecessary appendectomy, but MPV is more valid in screening acute appendicitis, compared to the RDW.
Collapse
|
7
|
Li Y, Zhang Z, Cheang I, Li X. Procalcitonin as an excellent differential marker between uncomplicated and complicated acute appendicitis in adult patients. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg 2019; 46:853-858. [PMID: 31087109 DOI: 10.1007/s00068-019-01116-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
8
|
Gilbert DN. Role of Procalcitonin in the Management of Infected Patients in the Intensive Care Unit. Infect Dis Clin North Am 2018; 31:435-453. [PMID: 28779830 DOI: 10.1016/j.idc.2017.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The combination of molecular pathogen diagnostics and the biomarker procalcitonin (PCT) are changing the use of antimicrobials in patients admitted to critical care units with severe community-acquired pneumonia, possible septic shock, or other clinical syndromes. An elevated serum PCT level is good supportive evidence of a bacterial pneumonia, whereas a low serum PCT level virtually eliminates an etiologic role for bacteria even if the culture for a potential bacterial pathogen is positive. Serum PCT levels can be increased in any shocklike state; a low PCT level eliminates invasive bacterial infection as an etiology in more than 90% of patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David N Gilbert
- Infectious Diseases, Providence Portland Medical Center, Oregon Health and Sciences University, 5050 Northeast Hoyt, Suite 540, Portland, OR 97213, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since acute abdomen requires accurate diagnosis and treatment within a particular time limit to prevent mortality, the Japanese Society for Abdominal Emergency Medicine in collaboration with four other medical societies launched the Practice Guidelines for Primary Care of Acute Abdomen that were the first English guidelines in the world for the management of acute abdomen. Here we provide the highlights of these guidelines [all clinical questions (CQs) and recommendations are shown in supplementary information]. METHODS A systematic and comprehensive evaluation of the evidence for epidemiology, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and primary treatment for acute abdomen was performed to develop the Practice Guidelines for Primary Care of Acute Abdomen 2015. Because many types of pathophysiological events underlie acute abdomen, these guidelines cover the primary care of adult patients with nontraumatic acute abdomen. RESULTS A total of 108 questions based on 9 subject areas were used to compile 113 recommendations. The subject areas included definition, epidemiology, history taking, physical examination, laboratory test, imaging studies, differential diagnosis, initial treatment, and education. Japanese medical circumstances were considered for grading the recommendations to assure useful information. The two-step methods for the initial management of acute abdomen were proposed. Early use of transfusion and analgesia, particularly intravenous acetaminophen, were recommended. CONCLUSIONS The Practice Guidelines for Primary Care of Acute Abdomen 2015 have been prepared as the first evidence-based guidelines for the management of acute abdomen. We hope that these guidelines contribute to clinical practice and improve the primary care and prognosis of patients with acute abdomen.
Collapse
|
10
|
Biomarkers of acute appendicitis: systematic review and cost-benefit trade-off analysis. Surg Endosc 2016; 31:1022-1031. [PMID: 27495334 PMCID: PMC5315733 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-016-5109-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 07/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background Acute appendicitis is the most common surgical emergency and can represent a challenging diagnosis, with a negative appendectomy rate as high as 20 %. This review aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of individual biomarkers in the diagnosis of appendicitis and appraise the quality of these studies. Methods A systematic review of the literature between January 2000 and September 2015 using of PubMed, OvidMedline, EMBASE and Google Scholar was conducted. Studies in which the diagnostic accuracy, statistical heterogeneity and predictive ability for severity of several biomarkers could be elicited were included. Information regarding costs and process times was retrieved from the regional laboratory. European surgeons blinded to these reviews were independently asked to rank which characteristics of biomarkers were most important in acute appendicitis to inform a cost–benefit trade-off. Sensitivity testing and the QUADAS-2 tool were used to assess the robustness of the analysis and study quality, respectively. Results Sixty-two studies met the inclusion criteria and were assessed. Traditional biomarkers (such as white cell count) were found to have a moderate diagnostic accuracy (0.75) but lower costs in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Conversely, novel markers (pro-calcitonin, IL 6 and urinary 5-HIAA) were found to have high process-related costs including analytical times, but improved diagnostic accuracy. QUADAS-2 analysis revealed significant potential biases in the literature. Conclusion When assessing biomarkers, an appreciation of the trade-offs between the costs and benefits of individual biomarkers is needed. Further studies should seek to investigate new biomarkers and address concerns over bias, in order to improve the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00464-016-5109-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
|
11
|
Mayumi T, Yoshida M, Tazuma S, Furukawa A, Nishii O, Shigematsu K, Azuhata T, Itakura A, Kamei S, Kondo H, Maeda S, Mihara H, Mizooka M, Nishidate T, Obara H, Sato N, Takayama Y, Tsujikawa T, Fujii T, Miyata T, Maruyama I, Honda H, Hirata K. The Practice Guidelines for Primary Care of Acute Abdomen 2015. J Gen Fam Med 2016. [DOI: 10.14442/jgfm.17.1_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
|
12
|
Yamashita H, Yuasa N, Takeuchi E, Goto Y, Miyake H, Miyata K, Kato H, Ito M. Diagnostic value of procalcitonin for acute complicated appendicitis. NAGOYA JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE 2016; 78:79-88. [PMID: 27019529 PMCID: PMC4767516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
A rapid and reliable test for detection of complicated appendicitis would be useful when deciding whether emergency surgery is required. We investigated the clinical usefulness of procalcitonin for identifying acute complicated appendicitis. We retrospectively analyzed 63 patients aged ≥15 years who underwent appendectomy without receiving antibiotics before admission and had preoperative data on the plasma procalcitonin level (PCT), body temperature (BT), white blood cell count (WBC), neutrophil / lymphocyte ratio (N/L ratio), and C-reactive protein level (CRP). Patients were classified into 3 groups: group A (inflammatory cell infiltration of the appendix with intact mural architecture), group B (inflammatory cell infiltration with destruction of mural architecture, but without abscess or perforation), and group C (macroscopic abscess and/or perforation). For identifying destruction of mural architecture, the diagnostic accuracy of PCT was similar to that of BT or CRP. However, the diagnostic accuracy of PCT was highest among the five inflammatory indices for identifying abscess and/or perforation, with the positive predictive value of PCT for abscess and/or perforation being higher than that of CRP (73% vs. 48%). Univariate analysis of the predictors of abscess and/or perforation revealed that a plasma PCT level ≥0.46 ng/mL had the highest odds ratio (30.3 [95% confidence interval: 6.5-140.5] versus PCT <0.46 ng/mL). These findings indicate that procalcitonin is a useful marker of acute appendicitis with abscess and/or perforation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiromasa Yamashita
- Department of Surgery, Japanese Red Cross Nagoya Daiichi Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Norihiro Yuasa
- Department of Surgery, Japanese Red Cross Nagoya Daiichi Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Eiji Takeuchi
- Department of Surgery, Japanese Red Cross Nagoya Daiichi Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yasutomo Goto
- Department of Surgery, Japanese Red Cross Nagoya Daiichi Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hideo Miyake
- Department of Surgery, Japanese Red Cross Nagoya Daiichi Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kanji Miyata
- Department of Surgery, Japanese Red Cross Nagoya Daiichi Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hideki Kato
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Japanese Red Cross Nagoya Daiichi Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masafumi Ito
- Department of Pathology, Japanese Red Cross Nagoya Daiichi Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Alvarez-Alvarez F, Maciel-Gutierrez V, Rocha-Muñoz A, Lujan J, Ploneda-Valencia C. Diagnostic value of serum fibrinogen as a predictive factor for complicated appendicitis (perforated). A cross-sectional study. Int J Surg 2016; 25:109-13. [PMID: 26644291 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2015.11.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Revised: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
|
14
|
Procalcitonin Association With Clinical Course of Clostridium difficile Infection. INFECTIOUS DISEASES IN CLINICAL PRACTICE 2016. [DOI: 10.1097/ipc.0000000000000300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
|
15
|
Mayumi T, Yoshida M, Tazuma S, Furukawa A, Nishii O, Shigematsu K, Azuhata T, Itakura A, Kamei S, Kondo H, Maeda S, Mihara H, Mizooka M, Nishidate T, Obara H, Sato N, Takayama Y, Tsujikawa T, Fujii T, Miyata T, Maruyama I, Honda H, Hirata K. Practice Guidelines for Primary Care of Acute Abdomen 2015. JOURNAL OF HEPATO-BILIARY-PANCREATIC SCIENCES 2015; 23:3-36. [PMID: 26692573 DOI: 10.1002/jhbp.303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Since acute abdomen requires accurate diagnosis and treatment within a particular time limit to prevent mortality, the Japanese Society for Abdominal Emergency Medicine, in collaboration with four other medical societies, launched the Practice Guidelines for Primary Care of Acute Abdomen that were the first English guidelines in the world for the management of acute abdomen. Here we provide the highlights of these guidelines (all clinical questions and recommendations were shown in supplementary information). A systematic and comprehensive evaluation of the evidence for epidemiology, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and primary treatment for acute abdomen was performed to develop the Practice Guidelines for Primary Care of Acute Abdomen 2015. Because many types of pathophysiological events underlie acute abdomen, these guidelines cover the primary care of adult patients with nontraumatic acute abdomen. A total of 108 questions based on nine subject areas were used to compile 113 recommendations. The subject areas included definition, epidemiology, history taking, physical examination, laboratory test, imaging studies, differential diagnosis, initial treatment, and education. Japanese medical circumstances were considered for grading the recommendations to assure useful information. The two-step methods for the initial management of acute abdomen were proposed. Early use of transfusion and analgesia, particularly intravenous acetaminophen, were recommended. The Practice Guidelines for Primary Care of Acute Abdomen 2015 have been prepared as the first evidence-based guidelines for the management of acute abdomen. We hope that these guidelines contribute to clinical practice and improve the primary care and prognosis of patients with acute abdomen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toshihiko Mayumi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Masahiro Yoshida
- Department of Hemodialysis and Surgery, Chemotherapy Research Institute, International University of Health and Welfare, Ichikawa, Japan
| | - Susumu Tazuma
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Akira Furukawa
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences and Graduate School of Human Health Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Osamu Nishii
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Mizonokuchi, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kunihiro Shigematsu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, International University of Health and Welfare, Mita Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeo Azuhata
- Division of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Acute Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsuo Itakura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Juntendo University, School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Seiji Kamei
- Department of Radiology, The Aichi Prefectural Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives for Health and Welfare Kainan Hospital, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kondo
- Department of Radiology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shigenobu Maeda
- Emergency Department, Fukui Prefectural Hospital, Fukui, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Mihara
- Center for Medical Education, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Masafumi Mizooka
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Toshihiko Nishidate
- Department of Surgery, Surgical Oncology and Science, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hideaki Obara
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Norio Sato
- Department of Primary Care and Emergency Medicine, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yuichi Takayama
- Department of Surgery, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Tsujikawa
- Comprehensive Internal Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Shiga, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Fujii
- Chairperson of the Executive Board, Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Miyata
- President, Japanese Society for Vascular Surgery, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | - Koichi Hirata
- President, Japanese Society for Abdominal Emergency Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Admission levels of serum amyloid a and procalcitonin are more predictive of the diagnosis of acute appendicitis compared with C-reactive protein. Surg Laparosc Endosc Percutan Tech 2015; 24:488-94. [PMID: 24910938 DOI: 10.1097/sle.0000000000000067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute appendicitis is the commonest surgical emergency, but its diagnosis can be elusive with a negative appendicectomy rate of 20%. The aims of this study were to investigate the potential value of the markers of acute inflammation, serum amyloid A (SAA), and serum procalcitonin (ProCT), in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in adults and to compare that with the commonly used serum C-reactive protein (CRP). METHODS Adult patients presenting with acute right lower abdominal pain and a clinical suspicion of acute appendicitis were included. Blood samples were obtained within 6 hours of admission for rapid serum CRP assay and for end-of-recruitment batch analysis of SAA and serum ProCT concentrations. RESULTS A total of 147 patients (81 males) with a mean (±SD) age of 36 (±17) years were recruited. Appendicitis was confirmed histologically in 61 of 72 patients (84.7%) who underwent appendicectomy. A post hoc analysis revealed a diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for SAA of 92% and 72%, ProCT of 85% and 74%, and CRP of 75% and 72%, respectively. The receiver operator characteristics for the area under the curves showed that SAA (P=0.011) and ProCT (P=0.037) significantly exceeded CRP in the prediction of acute appendicitis on admission. CONCLUSIONS The measurement of SAA and serum ProCT on admission in patients with clinically suspected acute appendicitis seems to outperform serum CRP in aiding that diagnosis.
Collapse
|
17
|
Tanrıkulu CŞ, Karamercan MA, Tanrıkulu Y, Öztürk M, Yüzbaşıoğlu Y, Coşkun F. The predictive value of Alvarado score, inflammatory parameters and ultrasound imaging in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. ULUSAL CERRAHI DERGISI 2015; 32:115-21. [PMID: 27436936 DOI: 10.5152/ucd.2015.3103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Acute appendicitis (AA) is one of the most common surgical emergencies. Despite extraordinary advances in modern investigations, the accurate diagnosis of AA remains an enigmatic challenge. The aim of this study was to compare and evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of inflammatory parameters [C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)], ultrasound (US) and Alvarado score (AS) in reducing the rate of negative appendectomies. MATERIAL AND METHODS Two hundred seventy-eight patients were included in this study. Patients were separated into two main groups as the surgery group (n=184) and non-operative group (n=94). Complete blood count, ESR and PCT levels were assessed, abdominal US was performed and AS was calculated for all patients. RESULTS In the surgery group, clinical predictive factors for histopathologic results such as AS ≥7, AA signs on US, neutrophilia and leukocytosis were significant. Neutrophilia and leukocytosis had the highest accuracy rate among these factors. Inflammatory parameters were not predictive for histopathologic results, although higher CRP and PCT levels were significant in perforated and necrotizing appendicitis. Multifactorial regression analyses showed that AS was not of significant predictive value in the non-operative group. CONCLUSION There was no superiority of AS and/or US in the diagnosis of AA. Recent findings have shown the most reliable parameters in the diagnosis of AA to be primarily 'neutrophilia' and secondarily 'leukocytosis'. Other results of this study indicated that inflammatory parameters (CRP, PCT, ESR) were not superior to other parameters but CRP and PCT levels were significantly high in complicated cases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ceren Şen Tanrıkulu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Bülent Ecevit University School of Medicine, Zonguldak, Turkey
| | | | - Yusuf Tanrıkulu
- Clinic of General Surgery, Zonguldak Atatürk State Hospital, Zonguldak, Turkey
| | - Miraç Öztürk
- Clinic of Emergency Medicine, Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Yücel Yüzbaşıoğlu
- Clinic of Emergency Medicine, Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Figen Coşkun
- Clinic of Emergency Medicine, Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Bakal U, Saraç M, Ciftci H, Tartar T, Kazez A, Aydin S. Leptin and NUCB2/Nesfatin-1 in Acute Appendicitis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.4236/ijcm.2015.612120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
19
|
Vaziri M, Ehsanipour F, Pazouki A, Tamannaie Z, Taghavi R, Pishgahroudsari M, Jesmi F, Chaichian S. Evaluation of procalcitonin as a biomarker of diagnosis, severity and postoperative complications in adult patients with acute appendicitis. Med J Islam Repub Iran 2014; 28:50. [PMID: 25405116 PMCID: PMC4219879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2013] [Accepted: 10/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Delay in diagnosis and treatment of acute appendicitis (AA) results in an increased rate of perforation, postoperative morbidity, mortality and hospital length of stay. Several biochemical parameters including white blood cell (WBC) count, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL6) and Procalcitonin (PCT) have been used to further improve the clinical diagnosis of AA. The aim of this study was to assess the value of procalcitonin as a predictor of diagnosis and severity of appendicitis in order to improve the clinical decision making, since other studies have been unable to demonstrate a diagnostic value for PCT elevation in acute appendicitis. METHODS One-hundred patients who underwent open appendectomy, including 75 men and 25 women with a mean age of 28 years were included in this study. Procalcitonin values were measured by an immunofluorescent method). Serum PCT>0.5 ng/ml was considered positive. The PCT serum values were measured in four different categories, including ˂0.5ng/ml, 0.5-2 ng/ml, 2-10ng/ml and more than 10ng/ml. RESULTS The sensitivity and specificity of PCT level measurement for acute appendicitis diagnosis were 44% and 100% respectively. The value of PCT increased with the severity of appendicitis and also with the presence of peritonitis and infection, at the site of surgery. CONCLUSIONS Procalcitonin measurement cannot be used as a diagnostic test for adult patients with acute appendicitis and its routine use in such patients is not cost effective and conclusive. Procalcitonin values can be used as a prognostic marker and predictor of infectious complications following surgery and it can help to carry out timely surgical intervention which is highly recommended in patients with PCT values more than 0.5ng/ml.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Vaziri
- 1. MD, Associate Professor of Thoracic Surgery, Minimally Invasive Surgery Research center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Fahimeh Ehsanipour
- 2. MD, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Abdolreza Pazouki
- 3. MD, Assistant Professor of Laparoscopy, Minimally Invasive Surgery Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Zeinab Tamannaie
- 4. MD, General Practitioner, Minimally Invasive Surgery Research center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. &
| | - Roohollah Taghavi
- 5. MD, General Surgeon, Minimally Invasive Surgery Research center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohaddese Pishgahroudsari
- 6. BS, Statistics Analyzer, Minimally Invasive Surgery Research center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Fatemeh Jesmi
- 7. MD, Research manager, Minimally Invasive Surgery Research center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Shahla Chaichian
- 8. MD, Associate Professor of Gynecology, Director of Minimally Invasive Techniques Research Center, Islamic Azad University, Tehran Medical Unit, Endometriosis Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Assarsson J, Körner U, Lundholm K. Evaluation of procalcitonin as a marker to predict antibiotic response in adult patients with acute appendicitis: a prospective observational study. Surg Infect (Larchmt) 2014; 15:601-5. [PMID: 24865123 DOI: 10.1089/sur.2013.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of the study was to investigate the value of serum procalcitonin (PCT) as a predictor of early antibiotic treatment response in patients with acute appendicitis. Procalcitonin is a biochemical marker that increases rapidly in cases of bacterial infection and sepsis; however, the benefit of PCT as a diagnostic tool in acute appendicitis has not been confirmed. METHODS Observations of PCT dynamics were conducted as part of a prospective clinical trial at Sahlgrenska University Hospital between May 2009 and February 2010 on adult patients with acute appendicitis treated with antibiotics as first-line therapy. Procalcitonin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and white blood cell count (WBC) were measured before administration of antibiotics and subsequently between 4-24 h following treatment. RESULTS Three hundred sixteen patients were included in the study. Almost 80% recovered on antibiotics without the need of surgery. Serum PCT concentrations before initiation of antibiotic therapy and during treatment did not differ significantly between antibiotic responders and non-responders (p<0.94). However, differences were observed for CRP (p<0.04) and WBC (p<0.001), with a trend for body temperature (p<0.06). CONCLUSION Procalcitonin has limited additional value, compared with standard laboratory tests as CRP, WBC, and body temperature to predict antibiotic treatment response in adult patients with acute appendicitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeanette Assarsson
- Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital , Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Watkins RR, Lemonovich TL. Serum procalcitonin in the diagnosis and management of intra-abdominal infections. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2014; 10:197-205. [DOI: 10.1586/eri.11.164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
22
|
Wu JY, Chen HC, Lee SH, Chan RC, Lee CC, Chang SS. Diagnostic role of procalcitonin in patients with suspected appendicitis. World J Surg 2012; 36:1744-9. [PMID: 22491817 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-012-1579-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of procalcitonin (PCT) in emergency department (ED) patients with suspected appendicitis. METHODS A prospective observational study was carried out in the emergency department of a university hospital between July 2007 and June 2008. Adult patients who presented to the ED with clinically suspected appendicitis were enrolled. Each patient underwent serum PCT, C-reactive protein (CRP), and Alvarado score evaluation on admission. The results of these three measurements were analyzed in relation to the final diagnosis determined by histopathological findings or compatible computed tomography findings. RESULTS Of the 214 study patients, 113 (52.8 %) had a confirmed diagnosis of appendicitis and 58 had complicated appendicitis (phlegmon, perforation, or gangrene). For the diagnosis of appendicitis, the area under the receiving operating characteristic (ROC) curve is 0.74 for Alvarado score, 0.69 for PCT, and 0.61 for CRP. Overall, the Alvarado score has the best discriminative capability among the three tested markers. We adopted two cutoff point approaches to harness both ends of the diagnostic value of a biomarker. PCT levels were significantly higher in patients with complicated appendicitis. For diagnosis of complicated appendicitis, a cutoff value of 0.5 ng/mL had a sensitivity of 29 % and a specificity of 95 %, while a cutoff value of 0.05 ng/ml had a sensitivity of 85 % and a specificity of 30 % in diagnosing complicated appendicitis. For those with a PCT value in the gray zone, clinical findings may play a more important role. CONCLUSION The study does not support the hypothesis that the PCT test may be useful for screening ED patients for appendicitis. However, determination of the PCT level may be useful for risk assessment of ED patients with suspected complicated appendicitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiunn-Yih Wu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Yu CW, Juan LI, Wu MH, Shen CJ, Wu JY, Lee CC. Systematic review and meta-analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of procalcitonin, C-reactive protein and white blood cell count for suspected acute appendicitis. Br J Surg 2012. [PMID: 23203918 DOI: 10.1002/bjs.9008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim was to evaluate the diagnostic value of procalcitonin, C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell count (WBC) in uncomplicated or complicated appendicitis by means of a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS The Embase, MEDLINE and Cochrane databases were searched, along with reference lists of relevant articles, without language restriction, to September 2012. Original studies were selected that reported the performance of procalcitonin alone or in combination with CRP or WBC in diagnosing appendicitis. Test performance characteristics were summarized using hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and bivariable random-effects models. RESULTS Seven qualifying studies (1011 suspected cases, 636 confirmed) from seven countries were identified. Bivariable pooled sensitivity and specificity were 33 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 21 to 47) and 89 (78 to 95) per cent respectively for procalcitonin, 57 (39 to 73) and 87 (58 to 97) per cent for CRP, and 62 (47 to 74) and 75 (55 to 89) per cent for WBC. ROC curve analysis showed that CRP had the highest accuracy (area under ROC curve 0·75, 95 per cent c.i. 0·71 to 0·78), followed by WBC (0·72, 0·68 to 0·76) and procalcitonin (0·65, 0·61 to 0·69). Procalcitonin was found to be more accurate in diagnosing complicated appendicitis, with a pooled sensitivity of 62 (33 to 84) per cent and specificity of 94 (90 to 96) per cent. CONCLUSION Procalcitonin has little value in diagnosing acute appendicitis, with lower diagnostic accuracy than CRP and WBC. However, procalcitonin has greater diagnostic value in identifying complicated appendicitis. Given the imperfect accuracy of these three variables, new markers for improving medical decision-making in patients with suspected appendicitis are highly desirable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C-W Yu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Wu C, Sun H, Wang H, Chi J, Liu Q, Guo H, Gong J. Evaluation of high mobility group box 1 protein as a presurgical diagnostic marker reflecting the severity of acute appendicitis. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2012; 20:61. [PMID: 22947457 PMCID: PMC3462672 DOI: 10.1186/1757-7241-20-61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2012] [Accepted: 08/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To validate the role of high mobility group box-1(HMGB1) in diagnosis of acute appendicitis (AA) with different pathological severity. Methods According to the pathologically diagnosis, 150 patients underwent appendectomies between Jan. 2007 and Dec, 2010 were divided into acute simple, acute suppurative and acute gangrenous appendicitis as group 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Each patient group contains 50 sex and age matched cases to make comparison with 50 healthy volunteers. The mRNA and protein expression levels of serum HMGB1 were determined by real-time quantitative PCR and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Serum High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were determined by rate nephelometric immunoassay. Results In comparison with health volunteers, relative HMGB1 mRNA levels in group 1, 2 and 3 were significantly increased 3.05 ± 0.51,8.33 ± 0.75 and 13.74 ± 1.09 folds, reflecting a tendency of augmented severity. In accordance, serum protein levels of HMGB1 were 10.97 ± 1.64, 14.42 ± 1.56 and 18.08 ± 2.41 ng/ml in 3 patient groups, which are significantly higher than that of healthy volunteers’ 5.47 ± 0.73 ng/ml. hs-CRP levels were 12.85 ± 3.41, 21.04 ± 1.98 and 31.07 ± 5.46 ng/ml in 3 patients groups compared with 2.06 ± 0.77 ng/ml in controls. The concentrations of HMGB1 and hs-CRP were both positively correlated with disease severity. Conclusion Serum HMGB1 constitutes as a valuable marker in diagnosis of AA. Positively correlated with hs-CRP level, mRNA and protein expression of HMGB1 to a certain extent reflected the severity of AA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chuanxin Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Meyer ZC, Schreinemakers JM, van der Laan L. The value of C-reactive protein and lactate in the acute abdomen in the emergency department. World J Emerg Surg 2012; 7:22. [PMID: 22800189 PMCID: PMC3438050 DOI: 10.1186/1749-7922-7-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2012] [Accepted: 07/16/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
CASE PRESENTATION This report describes the presentation of three critically ill patients with non-traumatic acute abdominal pain and increased concentrations of the biomarkers C-reactive protein (CRP) and lactate. In these three patients an exploratory laparotomy was carried out. Remarkably, the laparotomy showed no intra-abdominal abnormalities. We discuss the usefulness of these biomarkers in practice and their influence on establishing a diagnose and making a decision to perform an intervention. CONCLUSION We conclude that biomarkers lactate and CRP in patients with acute abdominal pain should only be used in adjunct to the history and clinical findings, as they are not specific and can be misleading in establishing a diagnosis. In addition, relying on these biomarkers may contribute to more diagnostic examinations and/or unnecessary invasive interventions (for example laparotomy).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zainna C Meyer
- Department of Surgery, Amphia Hospital, Breda, the Netherlands.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
C-reactive protein and procalcitonin are predictors of the severity of acute appendicitis in children. Pediatr Emerg Care 2012; 28:416-9. [PMID: 22531196 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0b013e318252d875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) on admission as predictors of the severity of appendicitis in children. METHODS We prospectively studied 111 consecutive patients admitted with a diagnosis of acute appendicitis between July 2009 and February 2010 and recorded the following variables: age, sex, time since diagnosis, laboratory data, complications (abscess, intestinal obstruction), presence of hemodynamic instability, mortality, length of stay, and need for admission to the pediatric intensive care unit. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the diagnosis confirmed during surgery (group 1, appendicitis; group 2, localized or generalized peritonitis). RESULTS Group 1 comprised 69 patients, and group 2 comprised 42 patients. Procalcitonin and CRP values were significantly lower in group 1 than in group 2 (0.15 vs 4.95 ng/mL [P < 0.001] and 3 vs 14.3 mg/dL [P < 0.001]). For a diagnosis of peritonitis, a PCT cutoff of 0.18 ng/mL gave a sensitivity of 97%, specificity of 80%, positive predictive value of 72%, and negative predictive value of 89.3%. The equivalent values for a CRP cutoff of 3 mg/dL were 95%, 74%, 68%, and 96.2%. Complications and the need for admission to the pediatric intensive care unit were more common in patients with peritonitis. CONCLUSIONS On admission, CRP and PCT predict the outcome of pediatric patients with appendicitis. Children with CRP greater than 3 mg/dL and/or PCT greater than 0.18 ng/mL have a greater risk of complications; thus, intervention should be early, and patients should be monitored closely.
Collapse
|
27
|
Kaya B, Sana B, Eris C, Karabulut K, Bat O, Kutanis R. The diagnostic value of D-dimer, procalcitonin and CRP in acute appendicitis. Int J Med Sci 2012; 9:909-15. [PMID: 23236260 PMCID: PMC3520016 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.4733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2012] [Accepted: 10/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The early diagnosis of acute abdomen is of great importance. To date, several inflammatory markers have been used for the diagnosis of acute abdominal conditions, including acute appendicitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic utility of D-dimer, Procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) measurements in the acute appendicitis. METHODS This prospective study was conducted between March 1(st), 2010 and July 1(st), 2011. In this period, seventy-eight patients were operated with the diagnosis of acute appendicitis, and D-dimer, PCT and CRP levels of the patients were measured. The patients were grouped as phlegmonous appendicitis (Group 1), gangrenous appendicitis (Group 2), perforated appendicitis (Group 3) and negative appendectomy (Group 4) according to the surgical findings and histopathological results. RESULTS Of 78 patients, 54 (69.2 %) were male and 24 (30.8 %) were female, and the mean age was 25.4 ± 11.1 years (range, 18 to 69 years). 66 (84.6 %) patients had increased leukocyte count (white blood cell count). The PCT values were higher than the upper normal limit in 20 (25.6%) patients, followed by D-dimer in 22 (28.2 %) patients and CRP in 54 (69.2 %) patients. The diagnostic value of leukocyte count and CRP in acute appendicitis was higher than that of the other markers, whereas leukocyte count showed very low specificity. CRP values were higher in perforated appendicitis when compared with the phlegmonous appendicitis (p < 0.05). However, PCT and D-dimer showed lower diagnostic values (26% and 31%, respectively). CONCLUSION An increase in CRP levels alone is not sufficient to make the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. However, CRP levels may differentiate between phlegmonous appendicitis and perforated appendicitis. Due to their low sensitivity and diagnostic value, PCT and D-dimer are not better markers than CRP for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bulent Kaya
- Department of General Surgery, Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Unverir P, Karcioglu O. A review of the predictive role of plasma d-lactate level in acute appendicitis: a myth or truth? ISRN TOXICOLOGY 2011; 2011:702372. [PMID: 23724288 PMCID: PMC3658566 DOI: 10.5402/2011/702372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2011] [Accepted: 08/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Acute appendicitis (AA) is a common condition which warrants emergency surgery. Detailed history, physical exam, and laboratory findings are often nonspecific in suspected patients. There is substantial evidence to indicate that plasma levels of D-lactate were useful to establish a diagnosis of AA in the medical literature. It has been suggested that it is useful for patients with abdominal pain, especially patients with perforated AA. This paper is designed to highlight the value of D-lactate biomarker in establishing a diagnosis of AA. Based on the literature, it is not helpful for a decision of operation in patients with AA. According to the results of the studies, laboratory involvement was observed between plasma D-lactate level and the final diagnosis of AA, particularly in perforated appendices. It can be considered for routine use in patients with undifferentiated abdominal pain in the emergency department setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pinar Unverir
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Ozel Ege Saglik Hospital, Universal Hospitals Group, Alsancak, 35220 Izmir, Turkey
| | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Procalcitonin for diagnosis of infection and guide to antibiotic decisions: past, present and future. BMC Med 2011; 9:107. [PMID: 21936959 PMCID: PMC3186747 DOI: 10.1186/1741-7015-9-107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 302] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2011] [Accepted: 09/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
There are a number of limitations to using conventional diagnostic markers for patients with clinical suspicion of infection. As a consequence, unnecessary and prolonged exposure to antimicrobial agents adversely affect patient outcomes, while inappropriate antibiotic therapy increases antibiotic resistance. A growing body of evidence supports the use of procalcitonin (PCT) to improve diagnosis of bacterial infections and to guide antibiotic therapy. For patients with upper and lower respiratory tract infection, post-operative infections and for severe sepsis patients in the intensive care unit, randomized-controlled trials have shown a benefit of using PCT algorithms to guide decisions about initiation and/or discontinuation of antibiotic therapy. For some other types of infections, observational studies have shown promising first results, but further intervention studies are needed before use of PCT in clinical routine can be recommended. The aim of this review is to summarize the current evidence for PCT in different infections and clinical settings, and discuss the reliability of this marker when used with validated diagnostic algorithms.
Collapse
|