The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of procalcitonin (PCT) in 212 children with appendicitis and compare it with that of the standard diagnostic modalities, C-reactive protein (CRP) level, leukocyte count, and abdominal ultrasound findings, in relation to the surgical and histological findings of the appendix. A PCT value of >0.5 ng/ml was found to be indicative of perforation or gangrene with 73.4% sensitivity and 94.6% specificity, a CRP level of >50 mg/l and a leukocyte count of >10(4)/mm3 were useful diagnostic markers for perforation, while abdominal ultrasonography had a sensitivity of 82.8% and a specificity of 91.2% for detecting appendicitis with imaging findings. PCT measurement seems to be a useful adjunctive tool for diagnosing acute necrotizing appendicitis or perforation, and surgical exploration will probably be required in patients with PCT values >0.5 ng/ml.

for ligation of the cystic artery and detachment of the gallbladder. RESULTS: Reduction of the number of ports had no effect on accessibility and duration of the procedure; however, it simplified access and handling, particularly in the smaller patients. Conversion to open cholecystectomy was performed in 1 case with major deformities of the vertebral column. The duration of hospitalization varied from 1 to 4 days (mean: 2.7 days). CONCLUSIONS: The decreased number of ports and the use of vessel sealing electrocautery make laparoscopic cholecystectomy in children easier and safe, without affecting the perioperative time. PROCALCITONIN AS A PREDICTOR OF SEVERE APPENDICITIS IN CHILDREN Submitted by Ioanna Velissariou INTRODUCTION:Procalcitonin is an amino acid peptide that can contribute in the diagnosis and management of severe bacterial infections because it reaches high concentrations in patients with severe bacterial infection, septicemia, or meningitis and decreases rapidly after appropriate antibiotic therapy. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of procalcitonin in 212 children with appendicitis and compare it with the standard diagnostic modalities, C-reactive protein, white blood cell count, and abdominal ultrasonography, in relation to the surgical and histologic findings of the appendix. METHODS: Prolactin levels were measured in 212 children with appendicitis, and the results were compared with standard diagnostic modalities such as C-reactive protein level, white blood cell count, and abdominal ultrasonography, which are useful aids for detecting severe appendicitis and/or perforation. RESULTS: A procalcitonin value of Ͼ0.5 ng/mL was indicative of perforation or gangrene with 73.4% sensitivity and 94.6% specificity, C-reactive protein level of Ͼ50 mg/L and white blood cell count of Ͼ10 4 /L are useful diagnostic aids for perforation, and abdominal ultrasonography had a sensitivity of 82.8% and a specificity of 91.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Procalcitonin seems to be a useful adjunct diagnostic tool for acute necrotizing appendicitis or perforation, and surgical exploration will probably be required in patients with procalcitonin values of Ͼ0.5 ng/mL. Vaccination IMMUNOGENICITY AND SAFETY OF CONCOMITANT ADMINISTRATION OF MEASLES-MUMPS-RUBELLA VACCINE AND VARICELLA VACCINE BY THE INTRAMUSCULAR OR SUBCUTANEOUS ROUTE Submitted by Yves Gillet INTRODUCTION:In Europe, recommended administration route for vaccines and physicians' preferences vary. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the immunogenicity and safety profile (injection-site and systemic adverse events) of a measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (M-M-RvaxPRO) and a varicella vaccine (Varivax) when given by intramuscular or subcutaneous route. METHODS: A total of 752 healthy children who were 12 to 18 months of age were randomly assigned to receive concomitantly at 2 separate injection sites 1 dose of both vaccines by the same route, either intramuscular or subcutaneous. RESULTS: Six weeks after vaccination, response ...