Oxidative Stress Enzyme NOX1 Is a New and Important Biomarker for Childhood Appendicitis?

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. © 2023, Association of Surgeons of India.