Use of Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score to grade the severity and outcome in patients of typhoid ileal perforation peritonitis

Abstract

Background: Typhoid ileal perforation peritonitis is a potentially life-threatening surgical emergency in developing nations. The severity assessment of a disease condition is useful to prioritize treatment and to reduce morbidity and mortality. Aims: The aim of this study was to use Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score to grade the severity and outcome in patients of typhoid ileal perforation peritonitis. Materials and Methods: A prospective analysis of data was done, which was collected over a period of 3 years for 100 cases of secondary peritonitis following typhoid ileal perforations, irrespective of age, sex, and duration of illness. APACHE II score was used to grade the severity and outcome in these patients. Results: Out of 100 patients included in this study, 87 were male and 13 were females. Age ranges between 14 and 65 years, maximum number of patients were in 2 nd and 3 rd decade of life. History of fever, abdominal pain, and abdominal distention were present in all cases. After onset of fever perforation occurred in 65% patients in 1 st week, there was an increase in mortality with increase in APACHE II score, age >50 years was associated with more mortality. The mean Intensive Care Unit stay in this study was 4.33 days, 5.81 days for survivors, and 3.47 days for nonsurvivors. Mortality in our study was 22%. Conclusion: APACHE II score is an easy and objective tool to grade severity of acute peritonitis and can be used for assessment of outcome. According to this study, patients with higher APACHE II score had highest rate of mortality and vice versa.