Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
DGGR lipase test accuracy for diagnosing acute pancreatitis in dogs
By Hope, A et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2021·School of Veterinary Medicine·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Retrospective study evaluation of DGGR lipase for diagnosis, agreement with pancreatic lipase and prognosis in dogs with suspected acute pancreatitis.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs suspected of having acute pancreatitis were tested using a new type of lipase called DGGR lipase, which is thought to be more specific to the pancreas than traditional tests. The results showed that dogs with pancreatitis had significantly higher DGGR lipase levels compared to those without the condition. A level above 42.15 U/L was found to be a good indicator for diagnosing pancreatitis, with high sensitivity and specificity. While DGGR lipase could help in diagnosing this condition, more research is needed to determine its effectiveness in predicting recovery.
People also search for: dog pancreatitis symptoms · DGGR lipase test for dogs · how to treat dog pancreatitis
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Activity of 1,2-o-dilauryl-rac-glycero-3-glutaric acid-(6'-methylresorufin) ester (DGGR) lipase is considered to be more pancreas specific than traditional lipase assays. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of DGGR lipase activity for suspected acute pancreatitis in dogs and to assess its prognostic usefulness. METHODS: Retrospective study of case records for suspected acute pancreatitis based on clinician-stated diagnosis, point-of-care and quantitative canine pancreas-specific lipase (cPL) results and consistent ultrasonographic features. Diagnostic performance of DGGR lipase was assessed by receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis, agreement by Cohen's kappa (κ) and prognostic value by multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: Median DGGR lipase activity was significantly (P < 0.001) higher in dogs with suspected acute pancreatitis [93.7 (range, 11.0-2853.0) U/L (n = 158)] compared to those with no evidence of pancreatitis [range, 20.9 (6.7-89.0) U/L (n = 356)]. A DGGR lipase activity >42.15 U/L had the best combined diagnostic sensitivity (81.0%) and specificity (92.1%). Previously established cut-offs (>130 and >80 U/L) had sensitivities of 40.5 and 43.0%, and specificities of 100 and 99.7%, respectively. There was near perfect (κ = 0.821) and substantial (κ = 0.751) agreement between DGGR lipase activity >42.15 U/L and quantitative cPL concentrations ≥200 and ≥400 μg/L, respectively. DGGR lipase activity but not quantitative cPL concentration was statistically (P = 0.043, odds ratio = 0.999) predictive of discharge but clinical utility is questionable. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Using DGGR lipase at the lower cut-off could provide an additional test for supporting a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis in dogs particularly if cPL results are not available. Larger studies are required to more fully assess its value in prognostication.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34233038/