Preliminary study of D-dimer as a possible marker of acute bowel ischaemia

Stefan Acosta, T K Nilsson, M Bjorck

Forskningsoutput: TidskriftsbidragArtikel i vetenskaplig tidskriftPeer review

Sammanfattning

BACKGROUND: Occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) demands prompt recognition and diagnosis. No accurate diagnostic method is available. The aim of this study was to determine whether the fibrinolytic marker D-dimer is a useful early marker of acute bowel ischaemia. METHODS: Fourteen patients suspected of having acute bowel ischaemia were analysed for an increase in plasma D-dimer level. RESULTS: Six patients had embolic or thrombotic occlusion of the SMA and all had significantly higher D-dimer levels than those without thromboembolic occlusion (P < 0.05). Four patients with strangulation of the small bowel due to adhesions and one with a ruptured aortic aneurysm also had raised D-dimer values. CONCLUSION: In patients with suspected thromboembolic occlusive disease of the SMA, a raised level of D-dimer indicated the presence of acute bowel ischaemia, whatever the cause. A more extensive prospective study is needed to evaluate a potential survival benefit using the test as a marker of the need for urgent laparotomy.
Originalspråkengelska
Sidor (från-till)385-388
TidskriftBritish Journal of Surgery
Volym88
Nummer3
DOI
StatusPublished - 2001
Externt publiceradJa

Bibliografisk information

The information about affiliations in this record was updated in December 2015.
The record was previously connected to the following departments: Emergency medicine/Medicine/Surgery (013240200)

Ämnesklassifikation (UKÄ)

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