DIAGNOSTIC-VALUE OF C-REACTIVE PROTEIN IN ACUTE APPENDICITIS

Serum C-reactive protein was measured in 56 patients hospitalized with a suspected diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Based on these determina tions, four groups of patients were defined: Group A = 26 patients wit h acute appendicitis who had a C-reactive protein level higher than 2. 5 mg/dl. Group B = 4 patients with a C-reactive protein level lower th an 2.5 mg/dl who, after surgery based on a presumed diagnosis of acute appendicitis, were found to have a normal appendix. Group C = 22 pati ents with nonspecific abdominal pain, 18 (72 percent) of whom had an e levated C-reactive protein level, although in only 4 (7.1 percent) wer e these levels higher than 2.5 percent mg/dl. Group D = 4 patients who had diseases other than acute appendicitis. It is concluded that an i ncrease in C-reactive protein levels to more than 2.5 mg/dl is not a d efinite indicator of acute appendicitis. However, if the C-reactive pr otein level in blood drawn 12 hours after the onset of symptoms is les s than 2.5 mg/ dl, acute appendicitis can be excluded.