LFT as a marker for appendiceal perforation

Q: Which of the following liver function test is described as a marker of appendiceal perforation?

A) Alanine transaminase (ALT) 
B) Aspartate transaminase (AST) 
C) Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) 
D) Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) 
E) Total bilirubin (TB)


Answer: E

Although elevation of total serum bilirubin stays mild around >1.0 mg/dL but if present in patients with acute appendicitis, the sensitivity for appendiceal perforation is 70 percent and specificity is 86 percent. It is a good adjuvant marker to help in deciding the emergency of the situation.

#surgicalcriticalcare
#hepatology


Reference:

Sand M, Bechara FG, Holland-Letz T, et al. Diagnostic value of hyperbilirubinemia as a predictive factor for appendiceal perforation in acute appendicitis. Am J Surg 2009; 198:193.