Scientists from the University of British Columbia found that analyzing the expression of four genes in the blood could improve the diagnosis of appendicitis in children. Research results published In JAMA Pediatrics.
Appendicitis is inflammation of the vermiform appendage (appendix) of the cecum. The main symptom of appendicitis is severe and intense pain; This is caused by the appendix increasing in size (swelling) and putting pressure on nearby tissues.
There are various types of appendicitis. The chronic one is characterized by mild exacerbations of symptoms that appear and subside over several weeks, months, or even years. In the acute form, symptoms appear suddenly. Surgery is required to remove them.
Sometimes inflammation may be accompanied by abscess and phlephlebitis – thrombosis of the portal vein, which collects blood from all unpaired organs of the abdominal cavity. This form of appendicitis is called complex.
It is stated that appendix inflammation is more common in children. But it can be difficult for doctors to distinguish simple appendicitis from complex ones. This is because, in addition to ultrasound, doctors must rely on inaccurate laboratory diagnostic tests and the patient’s own report of physical symptoms.
In a new study involving more than 70 volunteers ages 5 to 17, scientists were able to identify that complicated appendicitis in children and adolescents was associated with different activity patterns of four specific genes.
Genetic testing of the volunteers’ RNA allowed scientists to develop a new blood test that reads these activity patterns. Preliminary testing showed that the test could detect markers of complicated appendicitis with 85% accuracy.
These advances could help doctors increase the efficiency and speed of diagnosing and selecting medications for appendicitis and more accurately determine the priority of operations, the study authors noted.
used to be a doctor saidWhat gurgles in the stomach is dangerous.