Utility of Ischemia-Modified Albumin as a Biomarker for Acute Appendicitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Inflammatory Signals Across the Spectrum: A Detailed Exploration of Acute Appendicitis Stages According to EAES 2015 Guidelines

Background: In this retrospective study, we evaluate the diagnostic utility of C-reactive protein (CRP) and leucocyte count within the EAES 2015 guidelines for acute appendicitis (AA) in differentiating uncomplicated (UAA) from complicated AA (CAA). Methods: Conducted at a tertiary care center in Germany, the study included 285 patients over 18 years who were diagnosed with AA from January 2019 to December 2021. Patient data included demographics, inflammatory markers, and postoperative outcomes. Results: CRP levels (Md: 60.2 mg/dL vs. 10.5 mg/dL; p < 0.001) and leucocyte count (Md: 14.4 Gpt/L vs. 13.1 Gpt/L; p = 0.016) were higher in CAA. CRP had a medium diagnostic value for detecting CAA (AUC = 0.79), with a cutoff at 44.3 mg/L, making it more likely to develop CAA. Leucocyte count showed low predictive value for CAA (AUC = 0.59). CRP ≥ 44.3 mg/L was associated with a higher risk of postoperative complications (OR: 2.9; p = 0.002) and prolonged hospitalization (OR: 3.5; p < 0.001). Conclusions: CRP, within the context of the EAES classification, presents as a valuable diagnostic marker to distinguish CAA from UAA, with a higher risk of postoperative complications and hospitalization. Leucocyte count showed low diagnostic value for the identification of CAA.

Hyponatremia as a predictor of complicated appendicitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Aim: To investigate the value of hyponatremia as a predictive marker for complicated appendicitis.Methods: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus databases were searched for studies published up to 5 June 2024. Studies reporting serum sodium levels in patients with complicated and non-complicated appendicitis and studies reporting the association between baseline hyponatremia and complicated appendicitis were included. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed.Results: Twenty-two studies met the eligibility criteria. Serum sodium levels were measured at arrival or preoperatively in all included studies. Meta-analysis of data from 17 studies showed that preoperative sodium levels were significantly lower in patients with complicated appendicitis vs uncomplicated appendicitis [Mean Difference (MD): -2.58 95% confidence intervals (CI): -3.51, -1.66 I2 = 98%]. A pooled analysis of 18 studies demonstrated a statistically significant association between preoperative hyponatremia and complicated appendicitis [Odds Ratio (OR): 4.11 95% CI: 3.07, 5.51 I2 = 93%]. Results remained significant on subgroup analysis for adult and pediatric populations. However, the MD was higher and the OR was higher in the subgroup of pediatric patients.Conclusion: Hyponatremia was identified as a potential predictor for complicated appendicitis. The association between hyponatremia and complicated appendicitis seems to be stronger in pediatric patients as compared with adults.

Usefulness of extended inflammatory parameters related to neutrophil activation reported by Sysmex XN-1000 hematology analyzer for predicting complicated acute appendicitis. Comparison with canonical inflammatory laboratory tests

AIM

Accurate diagnosis of complicated appendicitis is of importance to ensure that patients receive early and effective treatment, minimizing the risk of postoperative complications to promote successful recovery. Biochemical markers are a promising tool to identify complicated appendicitis. We aimed to evaluate the potential role of novel parameters related with neutrophil activation, known as "Extended Inflammation Parameters" (EIP), included in blood cell count reported by Sysmex XN-Series analyzers, compared to other canonical biomarkers in identifying complicated appendicitis.

METHOD

Prospective observational study including patients with confirmed diagnosis of acute appendicitis. C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin, cell blood count, including white blood cell (WBC), absolute neutrophil (ANC) and immature granulocyte (IG) count and EIP (neutrophil reactivity [NEUT-RI] and granularity intensity [NEUT-GI]) were analyzed before surgery. Their accuracy to diagnose complicated appendicitis was tested in an ROC curve analysis.

RESULTS

Our population study included 119 patients, and appendicitis was complicated in 58 (48.7%). NLR, CRP and procalcitonin levels, ANC and IG count and NEUT-RI and NEUT-GI were higher in patients with complicated appendicitis. Regarding accuracy for complicated appendicitis, CRP was the biomarker with the highest performance (ROC AUC: 0.829), with an optimal cutoff of 73.1 mg/L (sensitivity: 63.8%, specificity: 88.5%). NEUT-RI and NEUT-GI achieved both significant but poor accuracy, with ROC AUC of 0.606 and 0.637, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Novel laboratory tests reported by Sysmex XN-Series analyzers have poor accuracy for identifying complicated appendicitis. In this study, CRP was the biomarker with the highest performance and may be useful as predictor of the severity of acute appendicitis.

Predictive Value of Neutrophil-to-Monocyte Ratio, Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte Ratio, C-Reactive Protein, Procalcitonin, and Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha for Neurological Complications in Mechanically Ventilated Neonates Born after 35 Weeks of Gestation

This prospective study investigated the association between elevated neutrophil-to-monocyte ratio (NMR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and the risk of developing neurological complications in mechanically ventilated neonates. The aim was to evaluate these biomarkers' predictive value for neurological complications. Within a one-year period from January to December 2022, this research encompassed neonates born at ≥35 weeks of gestational age who required mechanical ventilation in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) from the first day of life. Biomarkers were measured within the first 24 h and at 72 h. Sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) values were calculated for each biomarker to establish the best cutoff values for predicting neurological complications. The final analysis included a total of 85 newborns, of which 26 developed neurological complications and 59 without such complications. Among the studied biomarkers, TNF-alpha at >12.8 pg/mL in the first 24 h demonstrated the highest predictive value for neurological complications, with a sensitivity of 82%, specificity of 69%, and the highest AUC (0.574, p = 0.005). At 72 h, TNF-alpha levels greater than 14.3 pg/mL showed further increased predictive accuracy (sensitivity of 87%, specificity of 72%, AUC of 0.593, p < 0.001). The NMR also emerged as a significant predictor, with a cutoff value of >5.3 yielding a sensitivity of 78% and specificity of 67% (AUC of 0.562, p = 0.029) at 24 h, and a cutoff of >6.1 showing a sensitivity of 76% and specificity of 68% (AUC of 0.567, p = 0.025) at 72 h. Conversely, CRP and procalcitonin showed limited predictive value at both time points. This study identifies TNF-alpha and NMR as robust early predictors of neurological complications in mechanically ventilated neonates, underscoring their potential utility in guiding early intervention strategies. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating specific biomarker monitoring in the clinical management of at-risk neonates to mitigate the incidence of neurological complications.

The Predictive Value of Plasma Sodium and Other Laboratory Parameters in Determining Complicating Appendicitis in Children

OBJECTIVE

Finding a reliable preoperative predictor of complicated acute appendicitis (AA) has been a challenging diagnostic problem. The present study aimed to identify potential factors that may predict complicated AA in the pediatric emergency department (ED) based on routine, widely available laboratory tests on admission to the ED, including plasma sodium concentration.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed clinical and laboratory data of pediatric patients with AA who underwent emergency surgery at our department between January 2020 and December 2022. The patients were divided into two groups: histopathologically proven complicated AA (n = 80), and non-complicated AA (n = 155).

RESULTS

Complicated AA was associated with reduced plasma sodium and chloride concentrations (p < 0.001, both), decreased values of lymphocytes (p = 0.002), elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) ( p < 0.001), elevated values of white blood cells (WBC) and neutrophils (p = 0.012 and 0.001, respectively). In binomial logistic regression, increased levels of CRP and WBC, and decreased levels of sodium were predictors of complicated AA. The area under the ROC curve was 0.825 (95% CI 0.764, 0.886).

CONCLUSION

We identified mild hyponatremia and elevated CRP and WBC values as potential markers for distinguishing complicated from uncomplicated pediatric AA with implications for surgical approaches for treating complicated AA and conservative approaches for treating uncomplicated AA.

Helicobacter pylori Eradication Therapy in Patients with Decreased Renal Function: A Systematic Review

Background: There are concerns that Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy may worsen kidney function in patients with decreased renal function. This study aimed to systematically review the literature regarding Helicobacter pylori eradication in patients with renal impairment. Methods: PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Igaku Chuo Zasshi were searched for comparative studies on H. pylori eradication in patients with renal impairment. Results: Five articles were included in this systematic review. According to a randomized trial comparing a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) + clarithromycin + metronidazole and PPI + clarithromycin + amoxicillin in patients with decreased renal function, the incidence of acute renal failure was significantly lower in PPI + clarithromycin + metronidazole (2%: 1/44) than in PPI + clarithromycin + amoxicillin (18%: 8/44). The eradication rate in PPI + clarithromycin + metronidazole (92.5%) was significantly better than that in PPI + clarithromycin + amoxicillin (76.3%). According to four reports on eradication treatment using PPI + clarithromycin + amoxicillin in patients with and without decreased renal function, the eradication rates and adverse effects were similar in both groups. Regarding dose adjustment, three reports reduced the dose of antibiotics by half in patients with a creatinine clearance of 30 mL/min or less. Conclusions: The regimen with PPIs, clarithromycin, and metronidazole is recommended for renal impairment. The combination of PPIs, clarithromycin, and amoxicillin, at reduced doses depending on the renal function, is also a potential option.

Risks Associated with Surgical Treatment for Appendicitis in Hematologic Patients

Appendicitis is a prevalent surgical emergency. Although appendectomy has traditionally been the go-to treatment, recent studies suggest antibiotics can be equally effective for uncomplicated cases. However, evidence is scant regarding patients with hematologic disorders. This study delves into the surgical risks tied to appendicitis in patients with underlying hematologic conditions. A retrospective analysis was carried out on patients diagnosed with appendicitis and hematologic disorders from January 2000 to June 2021. Patients were pinpointed using ICD-10 diagnostic codes, and surgical procedures were identified based on the hospital's surgical fee codes. Hematologic conditions were sorted into risk levels, and patient treatments were scrutinized. Among the 131 initially identified patients, 89 were included in the study. Out of these, 75 underwent surgical procedures, while 14 received non-surgical treatments. The surgical group displayed better preoperative laboratory outcomes. Clinical characteristics, hematologic disease risk, and severity of appendicitis appeared not to be related to surgical complications. Patients without surgical complications showed improvement in preoperative absolute neutrophil count (ANC) and platelet counts. Lower preoperative ANCs and platelet counts were associated with extended hospital stays. For patients with hematologic disorders diagnosed with appendicitis, thorough preoperative laboratory evaluations followed by minimally invasive appendectomy appear to be a safe route without heightening the risk of severe complications compared to non-surgical management.