Derivation and validation of the APPEND score: an acute appendicitis clinical prediction rule.

BACKGROUND

Although many clinical prediction rules (CPRs) for appendicitis exist, none have been developed for a New Zealand population presenting with right iliac fossa (RIF) pain. The aim of this study was to derive and validate an appendicitis CPR for our population.

METHOD

This is a retrospective review of all patients from December 2010 to February 2012 of at least 15 years of age presenting to the general surgery service with RIF pain. Patient data were divided into derivation and validation groups. Univariate and multiple regression analyses identified significant predictors of appendicitis which were used to construct a CPR. A retrospective validation study was then performed and the CPR was refined accordingly. Finally, the accuracy of the CPR was tested.

RESULTS

The final components of the new CPR, the APPEND score, were Anorexia, migratory Pain, local Peritonism, Elevated C-reactive protein, Neutrophilia and male gender (Dude). This CPR has an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.84. The CPR can stratify patients into low, intermediate and high-risk groups which may standardize patient care and reduce the negative appendicectomy rate.

CONCLUSION

A new CPR for predicting appendicitis, in patients presenting with RIF pain, has been derived and validated for use in our population. A prospective study to further evaluate its performance is required.