[Diagnostic and prognostic significance of study of acute phase proteins in children with appendicular peritonitis].

Acute phase proteins (fibrinogen, alpha 2-macroglobulin, alpha 1-antitrypsin) were measured in 47 patients with destructive appendicitis and 203 children with local (n = 121) and disseminated (n = 82) appendicular peritonitis. The patients' ages varied from 3 to 15 years. Control group consisted of 45 age-matched children with uncomplicated umbilical and inguinal hernias. The significance of acute phase proteins in the diagnosis and preoperative and postoperative treatment planning was evaluated.