Annals of clinical and laboratory science
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Ann. Clin. Lab. Sci. · Sep 2019
Sensitivity and Specificity of the Neutrophil-lymphocyte Ratio in the Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis.
Acute appendicitis is a common surgical emergency; however, its misdiagnosis resulting in negative appendicectomy is not uncommon. Novel diagnostic methods will help reduce the rate of negative appendicectomy. We hypothesise that the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) will increase upon peritoneal involvement by inflammation, as it does in severe disease. ⋯ Inflammatory markers are useful adjuncts to history, examination, and radiological investigations in making the diagnosis of appendicitis. However, due to low sensitivity and specificity, they cannot be used alone. Calculation of the NLR has no additional benefit over the neutrophil count in diagnosis, or in distinguishing moderate and severe disease.