%0 Journal Article
%T The Role of Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in Predicting Complicated Appendicitis in Children.
%A Lin WY
%A Lee EP
%A Chen CY
%A Guo BC
%A Lin MJ
%A Wu HP
%J Diagnostics (Basel)
%V 14
%N 12
%D 2024 Jun 14
%M 38928671
%F 3.992
%R 10.3390/diagnostics14121256
%X BACKGROUND: Acute appendicitis is a common abdominal emergency observed in emergency departments (ED). Distinguishing between uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis is important in determining a treatment strategy. Serum soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) is an inflammatory biomarker. We aimed to determine the role of VCAM-1 in predicting complicated appendicitis in children.
METHODS: Pediatric patients with suspected appendicitis admitted to the ED were enrolled in this prospective study. Pre-surgical serum VCAM-1 was tested in children with acute appendicitis within 72 h of symptoms (from day 1 to day 3). Serum VCAM-1 levels were further analyzed and compared between patients with and without complicated appendicitis.
RESULTS: Among the 226 pediatric appendicitis patients, 70 had uncomplicated appendicitis, 138 had complicated appendicitis, and 18 had normal appendices. The mean serum VCAM-1 levels in patients with perforated appendicitis were higher than in those with simple appendicitis (p < 0.001). On day 1 to day 3, the mean VCAM-1 levels in patients with complicated appendicitis were all significantly higher than in those with uncomplicated appendicitis (all p < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: Serum VCAM-1 levels may be helpful in differentiating uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis in children and could predict appendiceal perforation.