Clinical significance of D-dimer in early diagnosis of mesenteric vasculitis in systemic lupus erythematosus / 医学研究生学报

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveLupus mesenteric vasculitis (LMV) can lead to extensive necrosis of the small intestine, and it is easy to be misdiagnosed and missed in the early stage of the disease. This study aims to evaluate the clinical significance of serum D-dimer level in the early diagnosis of LMV.MethodsRetrospective analysis was performed on 38 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) admitted to Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from January 2006 to January 2019. There were 15 LMV patients (LMV Group) and 23 non-LMV patients (Non-LMV Group). The main observation indicators of statistical analysis were serum D-dimer level on the first day of treatment in the two groups, while the secondary indicators included patient general condition, SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI), enhanced CT examination results, laboratory examination results and serum D-dimer level after treatment.ResultsThere was no significant difference in age, SLE duration and SLEDAI between the two groups (P>0.05). On admission, CT showed LMV patients with intestinal dilatation, mesenteric edema and typical target symptoms. After high-dose hormone therapy, the dilatation of intestinal canal and intestinal wall were significantly relieved, and the target signs on CT disappeared before discharge. The serum D-dimer level of patients in the LMV Group [917 (756,1848) μg/L] was significantly higher than that in the Non-LMV Group [570 (356,896) μg/L], and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.006). ROC curve analysis showed that the critical value of serum D-dimer in early diagnosis of LMV was 624 μg/L, and the sensitivity and specificity were 93% and 61%, respectively (AUC=0.77).ConclusionSerum D- dimer level can be used as an effective index for early diagnosis of LMV patients.