APPLICATION OF ALVARADO SCORING SYSTEM IN DIAGNOSIS OF ACUTE APPENDICITIS

Authors

  • Ikramullah Khan
  • Ata ur Rehman

Abstract

Background: In conditions like acute appendicitis it is impractical to have definitive diagnosis by
gold standard test (histopathology) before surgery, we would like a simple test like Alvarado
scoring system which depends on the presence and absence of certain variables and which
provides an accurate guide to whether or not the patient has the condition. This study was
conducted to evaluate Alvarado scoring system for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in our set
up. Methods: 100 consecutive patients with suspected acute appendicitis admitted in Surgical B
unit, Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar, during the period from July to December 2003 were
included in the study. They were given specific scores according to the variables of Alvarado
scoring system and then divided into 3 groups. Group 1 patients (score 7 or more) underwent
surgery, group 2 patients (score 5-6) were admitted for observation and group 3 patients (score 4
or less) were discharged home. Patients from group 2 with increased symptom intensity (score 7
or more) in reevaluation underwent surgery. Diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological
examination. Reliability of scoring system was assessed by calculating negative appendicectomy
rate and positive predictive value. Results: Out of a total 100 patients 64 patients underwent
surgery and appendicitis was confirmed in 54 cases, thus giving negative appendicectomy
frequency of 15.6% (male 12%, female 17.9%). Perforation rate was 7.8%. Positive predictive
value was 84.3% (males 88%, females 82.1%). Conclusion: This scoring system is easy, simple
and cheap complementary aid for supporting the diagnosis of acute appendicitis especially for
junior surgeons.
Key words: Acute appendicitis, Appendicectomy, Scoring system.

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How to Cite

Khan, I., & Rehman, A. ur. (2005). APPLICATION OF ALVARADO SCORING SYSTEM IN DIAGNOSIS OF ACUTE APPENDICITIS. Journal of Ayub Medical College Abbottabad, 17(3). Retrieved from https://demo.ayubmed.edu.pk/jamc/index.php/jamc/article/view/4951

Issue

Vol. 17 No. 3 (2005): JOURNAL OF AYUB MEDICAL COLLEGE, ABBOTTABAD

Section

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

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