Alvarado score: A valuable clinical tool for diagnosis of acute appendicitis and ndash;a retrospective study

Appendicitis is a common surgical emergency and diagnosis is still a great challenge. Accurate diagnosis and timely intervention reduces morbidity and mortality. The present study was conducted to evaluate Alvarado scoring system for diagnosis of acute appendicitis in Indian set up. The study was carried out on 200 patients admitted in Surgery ward between January 2009 and December 2010 with right lower quadrant abdominal pain. Alvarado score was calculated and all patients were divided in three groups. Mean age of presentation was 29.12 years and male to female ratio was 1.27:1. Higher the Alvarado score, more is the sensitivity. So patients having score 7 or above had sensitivity of 66%. We conclude that Alvarado score is unique since it incorporates signs, symptoms and laboratory findings of suspicious patients. Alvarado score can be utilized safely for diagnosis of acute appendicitis.