Can normal inflammatory markers rule out acute appendicitis? The reliability of biochemical investigations in diagnosis.

Background: Acute appendicitis is a common general surgical condition where diagnosis is predominantly clinical, with the aid of adjunct investigations. This study reviews the relationship between normal and elevated biochemical inflammatory markers, duration of symptoms and proven appendicitis.

Methods: A multicentre prospective observational study was performed across 27 centres and included a total of 949 patients with clinical suspicion of appendicitis, who had both white cell count (WCC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) recorded and underwent appendicectomy.

Time to computed tomography: does this affect trauma patient outcomes? A retrospective analysis at an Australian major trauma centre.

Background: Computed tomography (CT) is an essential diagnostic tool for severe multi-trauma patients. International guidelines recommend an optimal time of 1 h from arrival. The aim of this study was to determine the time interval from arrival at the emergency department to CT for all trauma patients and the effects on in-hospital mortality and hospital length of stay.