Comparison of routine laboratory tests in acute appendicitis and intussusception in childhood

Abstract

Aim: Acute appendicitis and idiopathic intussusception are two major causes of acute abdomen in childhood. In this study, we investigated the clinical, laboratory and radiological findings of these two surgical emergencies during the first presentation. Material and Methods: In this study, we retrospectively reviewed the records of pediatric patients with acute appendicitis and idiopathic intussusception between 2015-2018. Patients were identified according to inclusion criteria. Results: Physical examination findings were positive in all patients with acute appendicitis and idiopathic intussusception. White Blood Cell (WBC) [15.55] and C-Reaktif Protein (CRP) [3.75] were high in the laboratory test in patients with acute appendicitis. In patients with idiopathic intussusception, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) [302] and CRP [0.6] were high and Ultrasound findings were positive. In addition, WBC [10,1 (5,07)] was normal in patients with idiopathic intussusception. Conclusion: While WBC, CRP, physical examination is valuable in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis, physical examination, CRP, LDH and USG are valuable in the diagnosis of intussusception. In an Idiopathic intussusception patient, WBC may be normal at first admission.