Objective: To determine the risk factors associated with complicated acute appendicitis. Methodology: An observational, cross-sectional, retrospective, and analytical study was conducted on patients with acute appendicitis to identify risk factors, including duration of symptoms, self-medication, and leukocytosis. Other variables considered included gender, age, comorbidities, body mass index (BMI), and types of complications. A probabilistic sample was used to create two comparison groups with and without complications. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with Chi-square tests performed using SPSS v26.0 software, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 70 patients were evaluated, with 47 (67%) presenting complicated acute appendicitis and 23 (33%) having uncomplicated cases. The mean age was 35 ± 14 in complicated cases, with 30 (64%) being female, while in uncomplicated cases, the mean age was 33 ± 14, with 12 (52%) being female. Complications included abscess and perforation in 11 (15.7%) and perforation alone in 9 (12.9%). Risk factors included leukocytosis in complicated appendicitis (32%) compared to non-complicated cases (9%), with an odds ratio (OR) of 5 (95% CI 1-23), p < 0.033. Symptom duration exceeding 24 hours was observed in 40% of complicated cases and 9% of uncomplicated cases, with an OR of 7 (95% CI 1.4-34), p < 0.007. Conclusion: Risk factors associated with complicated acute appendicitis were leukocytosis and symptom duration exceeding 24 hours.
