The clinical value of leucocyte count and neutrophil percentage in diagnosing uncomplicated (simple) appendicitis and predicting complicated appendicitis.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to establish the diagnostic value of leucocyte count and neutrophil percentage in both diagnosing simple appendicitis and predicting complicated appendicitis. METHODS The patients who underwent appendectomy with a clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis (AA) between January 2011 and December 2012 were studied retrospectively. The data of total WBC count, neutrophil ratio, and physical findings were analyzed. Sensitivities and specificities of leucocyte count and neutrophil ratio were calculated. RESULTS One hundred and fifty-nine patients, diagnosed with acute appendicitis, were operated. Simple appendicitis was detected in 82.4% of the patients and complicated appendicitis in 17.6%. Leucocyte count had low sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing acute appendicitis (67.5% and 36.3%, respectively). Neutrophil ratio had a sensitivity rate of 60.1% and specificity rate of 90.9%. Complicated appendicitis was more common in male patients. Leucocyte count was statistically higher in patients with complicated appendicitis. CONCLUSION Two inflammatory markers, leucocyte count and neutrophil ratio, were evaluated for diagnosing acute appendicitis. Neutrophil ratio had higher sensitivity and specificity for acute appendicitis. On the other hand, increased leucocyte count and male gender was found to be a risk factor for complicated appendicitis.