Discriminatory capacity of serum total bilirubin between complicated and uncomplicated acute appendicitis in children: a systematic review and a diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis

This meta-analysis of 3,634 pediatric patients demonstrates that serum total bilirubin levels are significantly elevated in complicated versus uncomplicated acute appendicitis, with diagnostic accuracy showing 68.5% sensitivity and 81.1% specificity. While STB shows promise as a biomarker to guide surgical decision-making, high study heterogeneity warrants cautious interpretation.