Evaluation of the Accuracy of the AIRS Scoring System in Managing Acute Appendicitis

Abstract

Background: Appendix inflammation characterizes acute appendicitis, a common surgical emergency. In order to avoid complications, a precise and prompt diagnosis is essential. A potential diagnostic tool is the Appendicitis Inflammatory Response Score (AIRS) scoring system. The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability of the AIRS score in treating acute appendicitis in a particular patient population. Methods: At a Tertiary care facility in Karad, India, a prospective study was carried out between December 2020 and June 2022. Patients with right iliac fossa discomfort and a tentative diagnosis of acute appendicitis were admitted to the surgery department. Patients with immunity-compromising conditions are excluded from consideration. Based on clinical indicators, laboratory values, and radiological results, the AIRS score was generated. The AIRS score was taken into account when making surgical decisions. Results: 130 participants participated in the trial. The AIRS score showed strong specificity and sensitivity. Sensitivity was 94.4% and negative predictive value was 87.5% in the low-risk category (AIRS scores 1-2). The sensitivity was 85.6% and the positive predictive value was 84.0% in the moderate-risk group (AIRS scores 3-4). The high-risk group (AIRS score 5) demonstrated a sensitivity of 97.3% and a positive predictive value of 91.0%. Conclusion: To help in the diagnosis and treatment of acute appendicitis, the AIRS scoring system successfully divided patients into risk groups. Our results support the use of the AIRS score as an auxiliary tool to improve clinical decision-making in instances of acute appendicitis, while more research is necessary.