How reliable is the Alvarado score in acute appendicitis?

Abstract

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the reliability of the Alvarado score (AS) in determining acute appendicitis and the different parameters that affect the AS. METHODS: Three hundred and thirteen patients suspected of acute appendicitis (AA) aged 18-70 years were included in this study. Patient data including AS calculated from emergency services and at discharge, follow-up, and operations were recorded. Patients were divided into three groups according to the AS, as AS <4, AS 5-7 and AS 8-10. AA and appendicitis perforation rates were compared according to the different parameters. RESULTS: The mean age of patients (55% females, 45% males) was 30.8+/-10.8 years. The AA (appendix perforation) rates of 211 patients who underwent operation were found as: AS