Accuracy of the Banjarmasin prediction score for appendicitis to differentiate complicated and non-complicated appendicitis.

INTRODUCTION

Acute Appendicitis is typically felt in the right lower abdomen. Despite existing diagnostic methods to differentiate between complicated and non-complicated cases, achieving accurate diagnoses remains challenging. This study highlights the need for a reliable diagnostic tool to improve patient outcomes and inform surgical strategies, demonstrating the accuracy of the Banjarmasin Prediction Score for Appendicitis (BPSA).

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This observational cross-sectional study involved patients diagnosed with acute Appendicitis at Ulin, Sultan Suriansyah, and Damanhuri Hospital in Banjarmasin, Indonesia. Data were collected through consecutive sampling and analysed using SPSS to ensure robust findings. The collected data were then compared between complicated and non-complicated appendicitis cases to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the BPSA and Alvarado scores.

RESULTS

Among the 62 cases evaluated, 28 were classified as non-complicated and 34 as complicated Appendicitis. The BPSA showed a sensitivity of 71.4% and a specificity of 70.6%. The Alvarado score demonstrated lower sensitivity but a higher specificity of 79.4%. There was no significant difference in the Alvarado score (P > 0.05), while the BPSA score revealed a significant difference (P < 0.05) between complicated and non-complicated Appendicitis. Variations in histamine levels were also noted (P = 0.002), further underscoring the efficacy of the BPSA scoring system.

CONCLUSION

The Alvarado score is key for diagnosing acute Appendicitis, and the BPSA score helps differentiate between complicated and non-complicated cases, enhancing treatment strategies. The study's limitation was confined to a single region and a relatively small sample size, which may affect the generalisability of the findings.