Abstract

Acute appendicitis remains a common surgical emergency with challenges in prompt and accurate diagnosis.
Serum biomarkers have garnered attention for their potential role in aiding diagnostic accuracy. This paper aims
to update the clinical implications of serum bilirubin and procalcitonin levels in diagnosing acute appendicitis.
A systematic review of literature was conducted, encompassing studies that investigated the relationship
between serum bilirubin and procalcitonin levels and acute appendicitis. The search strategy included electronic
databases, resulting in a comprehensive analysis of relevant articles. The findings suggest a notable association
between elevated serum bilirubin levels and the presence of acute appendicitis. Furthermore, procalcitonin
exhibited promising diagnostic potential, demonstrating a significant correlation with the severity of
appendicitis. Subgroup analyses revealed varied sensitivity and specificity values, indicating the need for further
refinement in clinical application. The integration of serum biomarkers, specifically bilirubin and procalcitonin,
into the diagnostic algorithms of acute appendicitis could potentially enhance the accuracy of clinical
assessments. However, limitations in existing studies, such as heterogeneity in patient populations and differing
assay methodologies, emphasize the necessity for standardized protocols and larger prospective trials. In
conclusion, serum bilirubin and procalcitonin levels show promise as adjunctive tools in diagnosing acute
appendicitis. Their incorporation into clinical practice warrants careful consideration and validation through
larger-scale studies to delineate their precise diagnostic utility, thereby potentially optimizing patient care
pathways in the context of this prevalent surgical condition.
Keywords : Acute appendicitis, Bilirubin, Procalcitonin, Diagnosis, Clinical implications