Oxidative Stress Enzyme Nox1 Is a New and Important Biomarker for Childhood Appendicitis

Abstract

Delayed appendicitis diagnosis may result in perforation and an increased risk of mortality. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic value of ischemia-modified albumin, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 1, 2, and 4 levels in the diagnosis of non-complicated and complicated appendicitis. The study included 60 pediatric patients who presented to our clinic with a complaint of abdominal pain and underwent surgery with a diagnosis of appendicitis between November 2020 and December 2021 and also included 30 controls. Cases were divided into three groups: (i) non-complicated appendicitis (n = 30), (ii) complicated appendicitis (n = 30), and (iii) control (n = 30). The nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 1 and 4 and ischemia-modified albumin levels were higher in non-complicated and complicated appendicitis compared to the control (p < 0.001). In addition, considering the odds ratio values, the most effective biomarkers in the diagnosis were nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 1 and 2, and procalcitonin, while the most effective biomarkers in the prognosis were nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 1 and 2, and neotrophil/lymphocyte ratios. The data suggested that since the most successful biomarker nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 1, with a value of 0.98- area under the curve, is the most successful biomarker in both diagnosis and prognosis of the disease, it can be used as an important biomarker in childhood appendicitis.