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Research Paper | General Surgery | Volume 15 Issue 5, May 2026 | Pages: 494 - 497 | India
Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers in the Acute Appendicitis: A Prospective Study
Abstract: Background: Acute appendicitis is one of the most common surgical emergencies worldwide, yet its diagnosis remains challenging due to variable clinical presentation. Laboratory inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), total leukocyte count (TLC), neutrophil count, neutrophil?lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet?lymphocyte ratio (PLR) have been increasingly utilized as adjuncts to improve diagnostic accuracy. Aim: To evaluate the diagnostic utility of inflammatory markers (CRP, TLC, neutrophil count, NLR, and PLR) in acute appendicitis, correlate these markers with histopathological findings, and determine their sensitivity and specificity. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of General Surgery at AIIMS, Udaipur, over 18 months (March 2024?September 2025). A total of 125 patients clinically diagnosed with acute appendicitis and undergoing appendectomy were included. Preoperative laboratory investigations including CRP, TLC, differential leukocyte count, NLR, and PLR were recorded. Histopathological examination of resected specimens was considered the gold standard. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square test, Student?s t-test, and ROC curve analysis to assess diagnostic accuracy. Results: The majority of patients were in the 21?40-year age group with male predominance. Elevated TLC (73.6%) and neutrophil percentage (69.6%) were the most common findings, followed by raised CRP (64%) and NLR (65.6%). Mean CRP and TLC values were significantly elevated in patients with histopathologically confirmed appendicitis. NLR showed good correlation with disease severity. PLR demonstrated limited diagnostic value. Inflammatory markers were significantly higher in patients presenting after prolonged symptom duration (>48 hours). Histopathology confirmed acute appendicitis in 64% of cases. Combined use of CRP, TLC, and NLR improved diagnostic accuracy compared to individual markers. Conclusion: Inflammatory markers, particularly CRP, TLC, neutrophil count, and NLR, are valuable, cost-effective adjuncts in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Their combined use enhances diagnostic accuracy and may help reduce negative appendectomy rates. PLR appears to have limited clinical utility. These markers are especially useful in resource-limited settings where advanced imaging may not be readily available.
Keywords: Acute appendicitis, C-reactive protein, total leukocyte count, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, platelet?lymphocyte ratio, inflammatory markers, histopathology
How to Cite?: Dr. Paras Patel, Dr. Chinmay Dave, Dr. Shivraj Meena, "Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers in the Acute Appendicitis: A Prospective Study", Volume 15 Issue 5, May 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 494-497, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26507224659, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26507224659