The Jumping Up (J-Up) Test: Making the Diagnosis of AcuteAppendicitis Easier in Children

摘要

We evaluate a new clinical test, jumping up (J-up) test, to diagnose easierappendicitis in children. A total of 407 patients, aged 5 to16 years, with rightlower quadrant abdominal pain were asked to jump rising both hands and trying toreach a toy hanging down from the ceiling of the examination room. Bieripediatric Face Pain Scale was used for recording the pain response. J-up testhas sensitivity of 87% and specificity of 70%. A positive J-up test combinedwith leukocytosis (white blood cells count >12 000/mm ),neutrophilia >75%, neutrophil/lymphocyte >2, and C-reactive protein >5mg/dL, achieved a posttest probability of appendicitis of 85%. A negative J-uptest combined with the aforementioned blood markers within normal range had aposttest probability for non-appendicitis of 92%. J-up test is a reliableclinical test, which could be used even by an inexperienced doctor. Combinedwith classical blood markers, it could successfully predict which child is inurgent need or not of surgery.