An Analysis of a New Diagnostic Test for Children with Acute Appendicitis: Plasma Leptin Level

Abstract

Aim: In the diagnosis of acute appendicitis, the most frequently-applied laboratory tests are blood leukocyte level (WBC) and serum C-reactive protein (CRP). In recent years, it has been thought that the leptin hormone level, which has been proven to be raised in acute inflammation, could be used diagnostically in patients with acute appendicitis. In this study, we aimed to determine the relationship between WBC, CRP, and leptin levels with inflammation in acute appendicitis and to define the role of leptin in the mechanism underlying loss of appetite, which is the most frequently observed symptom. Materials and method: The study comprised 40 patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis (AA) in the Pediatric Surgery Department and a control group of 20 age-matched patients. Blood samples were taken from all subjects in both groups and the levels of WBC, CRP and leptin were measured. Body mass index was calculated and all findings were compared. Results: In the AA group, the median leptin value was measured as 1.24 ng/ml preoperatively, 1.37 ng/ml perioperatively, and 0.81 ng/ml 2 days postoperatively. The leptin value in the control group was 1.90 ng/ml. No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups with respect to the preoperative and perioperative leptin values (p>0.05). The postoperative 2nd day leptin values of the AA group were statistically significantly lower than those of the control group (p<0.05). Conclusions: In cases of suspected acute appendicitis, leptin can be a useful diagnostic parameter since its levels increase during the early stages of inflammation.