A retrospective evaluation of the age-adjusted D-dimer versus the conventional D-dimer for pulmonary embolism

Retrospective Analyses Associate Hemostasis Activation Biomarkers With Poor Outcomes in Patients With COVID-19

OBJECTIVES

Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have thromboembolic complications. Assessment of coagulation and other markers could be useful to understand their coagulopathy.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of inflammatory and coagulation parameters, including prothrombin fragment 1.2 (PF1.2), thrombin-antithrombin complexes (TATs), fibrin monomers, and D-dimer, in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. We compared the markers in patients with thrombosis, admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), and poor outcome.

RESULTS

Of the 81 patients, 9 (11%) experienced an acute thrombotic event (4 with pulmonary embolism, 3 with venous thrombosis, and 2 with stroke). PF1.2 was elevated in 32 (39%) patients, TATs in 54 (67%), fibrin monomers in 49 (60%), and D-dimer in 76 (94%). Statistically significant elevation in PF1.2 and TATs was seen in patients admitted to the ICU, while D-dimer and fibrin monomers were significantly elevated in patients with poor outcomes. The presence of multiple abnormal coagulation parameters was associated with ICU admission. Other parameters with statistically significant results included abnormal WBC counts and elevated C-reactive protein, which were associated with ICU admission and poor outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data demonstrate that abnormalities of biomarkers of hemostasis activation and inflammatory markers are associated with poor outcomes in patients with COVID-19.

The impact of using different age-adjusted cutoffs of D-dimer in the diagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolism

Background This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship of age-adjusted D-dimer value with different coefficients in diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) in geriatric patients. Methods The emergency admissions of the patients aged 65 and over with suspected PE during 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. The demographic characteristics, laboratory tests and radiologic findings of computed tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) or single photon emission computed tomography ventilation/perfusion scintigraphy (V/Q) were recorded. The characteristics of the patients with PE were statistically compared with the patients without PE. The specificity and sensitivity for higher cut-off levels (age × 10-15) were presented. Results PE was detected in 39.2% (n = 246) of 628 patients aged 65 years and older included in the study. The multivariate analysis revealed that higher D-dimer level (OR = 1,00011; p < 0.001) and BUN level (OR = 1.025; p = 0.013) were independent risk factors for PE diagnosis in elderly patients. Diagnostic statistics for D-dimer cut-off levels selected from ROC analysis and calculated values as 10-15 times of age showed that if the D-dimer cut-off value used is chosen higher, lower sensitivity rates are obtained. Our results also indicated that the patients with malignancy, renal failure, central PE on CTPA and PE with high probability on SPECT VQ were presented with higher D-dimer values. Conclusion Our results do not support the use of higher D-dimer cut-off levels such as 15 times the age in geriatric population. The impact of the location of PE and comorbidities on the outcomes of these patients must be clarified for determining cut-offs with higher specificity.

Age-Adjusted D-Dimer in the Prediction of Pulmonary Embolism: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary embolism (PE), depending on the severity, carries a high mortality and morbidity. Proper evaluation, especially in patients with low probability for PE, is important to avoid unnecessary diagnostic testing.

OBJECTIVE

To review the diagnostic utility of conventional versus age-adjusted D-dimer cutoff values in patients 50 years and older with suspected pulmonary embolism.

METHODS

Systematic review with univariant and bivariant meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCES

We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, and EBSCO for studies published before September 20th, 2020. We cross checked the reference list of relevant studies that compares conventional versus age-adjusted D-dimer cutoff values in patients with suspected pulmonary embolism.

STUDY SELECTION

We included primary published studies that compared both conventional (500 µg/L) and age-adjusted (age × 10 µg/L) cutoff values in patients with non-high clinical probability for pulmonary embolism.

RESULTS

Nine cohorts that included 47 720 patients with non-high clinical probability were included in the meta-analysis. Both Age-adjusted D-dimer and conventional D-dimer have high sensitivity. However, conventional D-dimer has higher false positive rate than age-adjusted D-dimer.

CONCLUSION

Age-adjusted D-dimer cutoffs combined with low risk clinical probability assessment ruled out PE diagnosis in suspected patients with a decreased rate of false positive tests.

Accuracy of blood-tests and synovial fluid-tests in the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infections

INTRODUCTION

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is one of the most complex complications following total joint arthroplasty. Despite significant progress in recent years, the use of blood and synovial biomarkers to diagnose PJI remains a challenge.

AREAS COVERED

A combination of serological, synovial, microbiological, histological, and radiological investigations is suggested by consensus and international guidelines. Novel biomarkers and molecular methods have shown promise in recent years. The purpose of this review is to provide an update about the biomarkers used to diagnose PJI and highlight their sensitivity and specificity. In addition, guidance on the diagnostic steps and clinical workflow will be included.

EXPERT OPINION

The diagnostic algorithm developed and validated by the international consensus meeting group is still the most valuable resource to approach PJI diagnosis. The current combination of blood and synovial biomarkers yield acceptable results and good performance. However, there is a need for new biomarkers and further research to understand the limitations of current tests better, as well as explore new options such as alpha-defensin, D-dimer, interleukin-6, and leukocyte esterase.