Role of Serum Bilirubin as a Marker of Acute and Complicated Appendicitis

Serum Bilirubin as a Marker of Acute and Complicated Appendicitis

Abstract

Background: Acute appendicitis is the most common surgical emergency and early surgical intervention is seen to improve outcomes. Jaundice has been associated with appendicitis and studies have shown hyperbilirubinemia to be a useful predictor of appendiceal perforation. Elevated serum bilirubin will help in early and accurate diagnosis of acute appendicitis. This study aims to evaluate the role of serum bilirubin as a marker in acute appendicitis.Subjects and Methods:This study was conducted in the department of surgery, Dayanand medical college and hospital, Ludhiana on patients of acute appendicitis. Routine investigations including bilirubin total and bilirubin direct were done and the mean value of bilirubin total and liver enzymes in cases of acute appendicitis was calculated. The p value <0.05 was considered significant.Results:The mean age of the patients was 27.2916.4 years. There were a total of 59 patients with 47 males and 12 females. The total bilirubin levels in cases with acute appendicitis and complicated appendicitis were 0.710.29 and 1.460.66 respectively.Conclusion: Increase in serum bilirubin levels were seen in patients of complicated appendicitis and it can be added in the list of routine investigations at the time of admission in suspected cases of appendicitis.