Application of the Alvarado Score as a predictive clinical resource for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in the Emergency Department of the Pedro Juan Caballero Regional Hospital
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30545/scientiamericana.2025.set-dic.1Keywords:
Acute appendicitis, Alvarado Scale, appendectomyAbstract
Introduction: Acute appendicitis is a common cause of acute abdomen and a public health challenge due to its high incidence. The Alvarado Scale facilitates early diagnosis, optimizes medical decision-making, and reduces unnecessary surgical interventions. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between the diagnosis of acute appendicitis and the application of the Alvarado Scale, taking into account its sensitivity and specificity in patients treated in the Emergency Department of the Hospital Regional de Pedro Juan Caballero during the first half of 2025. Methodology: A descriptive, cross-sectional observational study with retrospective sampling was conducted at the Hospital Regional de Pedro Juan Caballero, Paraguay. Results: A total of 135 patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis who were seen in the emergency department between January and June 2025 were analyzed. The majority were between 11 and 30 years old, with a predominance of males (62%). The Alvarado Scale was a useful clinical tool, with a positive predictive result in 94.8% of cases. Conclusion: The Alvarado Scale allows a dynamic evaluation in the face of clinical suspicion of acute appendicitis. Its use improves diagnostic accuracy, reduces unnecessary appendectomies, and reduces complications.
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