The APpendicitis PEdiatric (APPE) score: a new diagnostic tool in suspected pediatric acute appendicitis

Pediatr Med Chir. 2019 Apr 2;41(1). doi: 10.4081/pmc.2019.209.

Abstract

Our aim was to develop an APpendictis-PEdiatric score (APPE score) in quantifying risk of acute appendicitis based on combination of clinical and laboratory markers. 1025 patients were classified in: acute appendicitis (AA) and non-appendicitis. Demographic/clinical features, and laboratory were collected. They were compared for quantitative-variables and categorical-variables. Significant predictors (P=<0,05) were included in logistic regression model. Based on regression-coefficients, a diagnostic score was tested by calculating the area under the ROC curve. Two cut-offs were established to define classes of risk of AA. 9 variables were identified as potentially predictors for AA. Those underwent logistic regression and a score was assigned, for maximum 21-points. The score showed an area under the curve: 0.831 and a linear proportion with the state of appendicular inflammation (R20.85). Patients with a score ≤8 were at low risk of AA (sensitivity 94%); those with a score ≥15 were at high risk for AA (specificity 93%). Those between 8 and 15 were defined at intermediate risk class. APPE-score guides clinicians in classifying patients with suspected-AA according to clinical and laboratory findings in order to improve their management.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Appendicitis / diagnosis*
  • Appendicitis / pathology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Inflammation / diagnosis*
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Male
  • ROC Curve
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk
  • Sensitivity and Specificity