Abstract
Background: Diagnostic scores are systematic methods that evaluate patients with suspected appendicitis. These scores help to structure the clinical evaluation, in order to reach an accurate and early diagnosis.
Objective: Evaluate and validate a diagnostic score for appendicitis in paediatric patients.
Method: Prospective study of 121 patients, ages 5 to 14 years-old, with suspected appendicitis, from October to December 2005. A previously published diagnostic score was modified, replacing the neutrophil differential count for C - reactive protein. The cut-off value in the score considered for surgery in any patient was established at 7 points.
Results: All non-surgical patients scored 0 to 6 points, while most of the patients submitted to surgery had 9 and 10 points. The score demonstrated high sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy.
Conclusions: This score will be useful for an organized evaluation of paediatric patients with suspected appendicitis; however, it should not replace the surgeon clinical judgement.
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