Role Of C-Reactive Protein in Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis

Background: Appendicitis is a common surgical emergency and diagnostic dilemma. Making the correct diagnosis is often difficult as the clinical presentation varies according to the age of the patient and the position of appendix. The objective of this study was to identify clinical applicability of C- reactive protein, as a diagnostic test for appendicitis. Methods: This prospective study was carried out in Federal government Polyclinic hospital, Islamabad from January to July 2019, 114 patients underwent appendectomy for clinically diagnosed acute appendicitis. The decision to operate the patient was given by senior registrar. The blood samples for C-reactive protein were drawn before taking the patient to the operating theatre. Removed appendices were sent for histopathological confirmation of diagnosis. The C-reactive protein was then compared with the results of histopathology to determine its validity. The data was entered and analysed in SPSS 23. Results: The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of C-reactive protein in patients with clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis were found to be 94%, 78%, 93% and 74 % respectively. Conclusion: CRP is helpful in making diagnosis of acute appendicitis. It is highly sensitive but has a relatively low specificity.