ABSTRACT

Background:

The purpose of our study was to investigate the association of acute appendicitis with age, gender and leukocyte count.

Methods:

In our retrospective study, we have reviewed 302 cases of appendectomy within the year 2008.

Results:

Histopatologic diagnosis was acute appendicitis in 250 patients (82,78%), and 52 patients diagnosed differently. 60,80% of male and 39,20% of female patients, who were operated for acute appendicitis received the histopathologic diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Acute appendicitis showed significant difference between two genders. Ratio of female patients that had a histopathologic diagnosis inconsistent with acute appendicitis were significantly higher than the males (55.77% versus 44.23%, P=0,04). Leukocyte count was assessed in 3 groups. Group 1 had a leukocyte count less than 10.000,Group2 had 10.000 to 15.000,Group3 had leukocyte count more than15.000.Second group did not show a higher risk for acute appendicitis (P=0.153). Significant difference was determined in Group 3 (P=0.042).Group 3 had 2,5 times higher risk for developing acute appendicitis. Age was also assessed in 3 groups: Group A included patients 15 to 30 years of age, Group B included patients 30 to 45 years of age, Group C included patients older than 45. Age groups did not show any difference for having a histopathologic diagnosis of acute appendicitis among patients that were operated for acute appendicitis.58.80% of the patients was in Group A, 28.80% in Group B and 12.40% in Group C.

Conclusion:

Male gender, age between 15-30 and leukocyte number above 15.000 were determined as risk factors for acute appendicitis.