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Is D-dimer a predictor of strangulated intestinal hernia?
Gokhan Icoz1, Ozer Makay, Murat Sozbilen
1Department of General Surgery, Ege University Hospital, Izmir, Turkey 35100.
World Journal of Surgery
|November 15, 2006
Summary
Serum D-dimer levels can help identify intestinal ischemia in emergency patients. While elevated D-dimer shows high sensitivity for ischemia, its specificity for predicting strangulated intestinal hernia requiring resection remains uncertain.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Diagnostics
- Biomarker Research
Background:
- Strangulated intestinal hernia is a critical surgical emergency.
- Accurate and timely diagnosis is essential for patient outcomes.
- Serum D-dimer is being investigated as a potential diagnostic marker.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic relevance of serum D-dimer in strangulated intestinal hernia.
- To assess D-dimer's correlation with intestinal ischemia and need for resection.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 159 patients with acute abdominal gastrointestinal disorders.
- Measurement of serum D-dimer, lactate dehydrogenase, amylase, and INR.
- Analysis of 15 variables, including D-dimer, for diagnostic correlation.
Main Results:
- Intestinal ischemia was present in 20.7% of patients; 85% had D-dimer > 300 ng/ml.
- D-dimer levels were significantly higher in patients with ischemia (P < 0.05).
- D-dimer showed high sensitivity but low specificity for intestinal ischemia.
Conclusions:
- Elevated D-dimer on admission is sensitive for detecting intestinal ischemia.
- The role of D-dimer in predicting resection for strangulated hernia requires further investigation.
- D-dimer assay may be extended to patients with intestinal emergencies.
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