Acute Appendicitis Diagnosis: A Practical Score

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What was the primary objective of the study conducted by Alfredo Alvarado?

To compare the symptoms of acute appendicitis with those of other abdominal diseases

To analyze the effectiveness of surgery in treating acute appendicitis

To identify the most important predictive factors for diagnosing acute appendicitis (correct)

To develop a new treatment for acute appendicitis

How many patients were involved in the retrospective study?

400 patients

350 patients

305 patients (correct)

250 patients

What was the significance of the 'total joint probability' in the study?

It was chosen as a diagnostic weight indicative of the accuracy of the test (correct)

It was used to determine the severity of the symptoms

It was used to determine the age of the patients

It was used to calculate the cost of the treatment

Which of the following was NOT one of the eight predictive factors identified in the study?

Shift to the right Signup and view all the answers

Where was Alfredo Alvarado affiliated with at the time of the study?

Plantation General Hospital and Humana Hospital Bennett Signup and view all the answers

In which year was the study received for publication?

1985 Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of abdominal pain in all ages?

Acute appendicitis Signup and view all the answers

Why is it often difficult to diagnose acute appendicitis in its early stages?

Because of the vague and uncertain clinical manifestations Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary reason for the persistent rate of morbidity and mortality in acute appendicitis?

Delayed diagnosis Signup and view all the answers

What is the mortality rate in children less than 2 years old with acute appendicitis?

20% Signup and view all the answers

What is the sensitivity of slight temperature elevation in acute appendicitis?

0.73 Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of the study in terms of the negative appendectomy rate?

To reduce the negative appendectomy rate without increasing the risk of perforation Signup and view all the answers

How many patients' records were reviewed in the study?

305 patients Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of performing a urinalysis in acute appendicitis?

To rule out a urinary tract infection Signup and view all the answers

What is the predictive value of leukocytosis in acute appendicitis?

0.87 Signup and view all the answers

What is the specificity of leukocytosis in acute appendicitis?

0.38 Signup and view all the answers

What is the sensitivity of leukocytosis in acute appendicitis?

0.93 Signup and view all the answers

What is the predictive value of a shift to the left in acute appendicitis?

0.91 Signup and view all the answers

What is the diagnostic score for a probable appendicitis?

7 or 8 Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of a score of 5 or 6 in this diagnosis?

Compatible with acute appendicitis Signup and view all the answers

Why is the diagnostic score not 100% reliable?

Because there is a chance of overlapping symptoms with other diseases Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended approach for a patient with a score of 7 or more?

Surgery Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to consider all symptoms and signs as present?

To avoid misdiagnosis Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of using the diagnostic score?

It helps to decide between observation and surgery Signup and view all the answers

What should the diagnostic score be correlated with?

The clinical impression of the examiner Signup and view all the answers

What should be performed if there is any question about the diagnosis of acute appendicitis?

More physical examinations and laboratory tests Signup and view all the answers

Why is the diagnosis of acute appendicitis more difficult in women?

Due to the presence of gynecological disorders Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential part of the examination in women suspected of having acute appendicitis?

Pelvic examination Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to the patient if the diagnostic score remains the same or increases after reevaluation?

The patient may need laparotomy Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of reevaluating the patient every four or six hours?

To monitor the patient's progress Signup and view all the answers