Diagnostic Value of C-Reactive Protein/Albumin Ratio to Differentiate Simple Versus Complicated Appendicitis

Abstract

Aim: The C-reactive protein (CRP)/albumin ratio is a new inflammation-based prognostic score that correlates with inflammation severity.Objective: The present study investigated the diagnostic value of the CRP/albumin ratio to distinguish between patients with simple andcomplicated acute appendicitis. This retrospective study was conducted at the University of Health Sciences Turkey, Kanuni Sultan SüleymanTraining and Research Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine, after approval from the ethics committee.Materials and Methods: A total of 188 patients with acute appendicitis were included. Biochemical parameters, CRP/albumin ratio,ultrasonography (USG) and computed tomography (CT) results, operation findings and length of hospital-stay were compared betweenpatients with simple and complicated appendicitis.Results: There was no statistically significant difference in terms of leukocyte count, albumin value and diameter of the appendicitis betweenboth USG and CT. The CRP/albumin ratio could specifically differentiate the complicated appendicitis group. The cut-off point of the CRP/albumin ratio for the diagnosis of complicated appendicitis was 4.4.Conclusion: The CRP/albumin ratio may be used as a valuable biomarker in the clinical diagnostic process and in treatment planning,particularly to differentiate patients with acute complicated appendicitis from those with non-complicated acute appendicitis.