Abnormal urinalysis in appendicitis.

In a retrospective review of 100 consecutive patients (50 adults and 50 children) with acute appendicitis we correlated abnormal urinalysis (positive occult blood and more than 4 red or white blood cells per high power field) with the operative findings. Abnormal results on urinalysis were noted in 18 adults and 12 children. All urine specimens were collected by the clean-catch method. Abnormal findings were found more frequently in female patients. A majority of patients (53 per cent) with abnormal results on urinalysis had a ruptured or inflamed appendix in proximity to the urinary tract.