Role of Hyperbilirubinemia as a Diagnostic Tool to Predict Gangrenous/Perforated Appendicitis: An Observational Study

Abstract

Background: Elevation in serum bilirubin was reported recently, but the importance of the raised total bilirubin has not been stressed in acute appendicitis and appendicular perforation. The aim of the study was to establish the role of hyperbilirubinemia as a new diagnostic tool to predict gangrenous/perforated appendicitis. Subjects and Methods: This was a prospective observational study, which was conducted at the Gujarat Adani Institute of Medical Science, Bhuj, Kutch, Gujarat, India. A total of 100 patients clinically diagnosed as appendicitis from August 2018 to August 2019 at Gujarat Adani Institute of Medical Science, Bhuj, Kutch, Gujarat, India. Patients were clinically evaluated by detailed history, routine examination on initial contact with patients and the routine investigations as per surgery and anesthesia requirements with inclusion of serum total bilirubin. Based on histopathological examination patients will be categorized as positive (acute appendicitis with perforation and/or gangrene) and negative (acute appendicitis without perforation or gangrene). Results: Out of 100 patients, 20 were managed conservatively (mass formation) and was called for interval appendectomy after 6 weeks. In acute catarrhal appendicitis group 47 patients showed normal total bilirubin levels, whereas 8 patients showed increase in levels of total bilirubin.  In gangrenous appendicitis group all 10 patients showed elevated serum total bilirubin levels  In perforated appendicitis group consisted of 15, 11 patients showed elevated serum bilirubin levels and 4 patients showed normal total bilirubin levels. Conclusion: Serum bilirubin is easily available test and cheap and can be estimated from the sample of blood drawn for routine blood investigations.