Anticipating Urgency: Predictive Factors for Early Intervention in Appendicular Perforation

Cureus. 2024 Nov 20;16(11):e74118. doi: 10.7759/cureus.74118. eCollection 2024 Nov.

Abstract

Background: Appendicular perforation is a severe complication of acute appendicitis, leading to increased morbidity and complex post-surgical outcomes. Early identification of patients at risk of perforation is crucial to improve clinical management and reduce complications. This study aims to review and summarize the predictive value of clinical, biochemical, and radiological factors in determining the likelihood of appendicular perforation.

Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to analyze key clinical, biochemical, and radiological markers associated with appendicular perforation. Clinical factors such as symptom duration, fever, and physical signs of peritonitis were examined. Biochemical markers, including white blood cell (WBC) count, hemoglobin, and serum creatinine, were evaluated for their diagnostic accuracy. Radiological imaging techniques, such as ultrasound (US), were assessed for their ability to detect perforation-related complications.

Results: This study identifies key predictors of appendicular perforation, including age, pulse rate, abdominal rigidity, and peri-appendiceal collection. Peri-appendiceal collection emerged as a strong predictor (OR=7.09). Logistic regression and machine learning models showed moderate predictive power (AUC 0.54-0.58), with demographic trends influencing clinical outcomes.

Keywords: abdominal sepsis; acute appendicitis diagnosis; acute perforated appendicitis; diagnosis of acute appendicitis; perforated appendix vermiform.