Diagnostic Accuracy of Red Cell Distribution Width In Acute Appendicitis

Sidrah Masoom, Syed Ali Haider, Syeda Sarah Kazmi, Muhammad Zubair

Abstract

Objective

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of red cell distribution width in acute appendicitis keeping histopathology as gold standard.

Study design

Cross-sectional study.

Place & Duration of study

Department of Surgery, Dr. Ruth K. M. Pfau Civil Hospital and Dow University of Health Sciences Karachi, from October 2018 to April 2020.

Methods

All patients diagnosed as acute appendicitis on the basis of modified Alvarado score were included. Preoperatively, red cell distribution width test was also sent. After surgery the histopathological reports were analyzed to confirm the findings of acute appendicitis and relate it to the clinical diagnosis. Frequency of acute appendicitis and the relationship with red cell distribution width test were determined. SPSS version 23 software was used for data entry and analysis.

Results

A total of 211 patients were diagnosed as having acute appendicitis.  The diagnostic accuracy of red cell distribution width was 27.48% in acute appendicitis keeping histopathology as gold standard.

Conclusion

The red cell distribution width indices are not accurate indicator for acute appendicitis.

Key words

Acute Appendicitis, Modified Alvarado score, Erythrocyte indices, Diagnostic accuracy, Acute abdomen.