Evaluation of plasma serotonin concentration in acute appendicitis.

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1997-01-01
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Due to lack of reliable biochemical/radiological markers, the diagnosis of acute appendicitis is based only on clinical features. METHODS: We estimated plasma serotonin levels in 48 patients with acute appendicitis (histologically proven), 27 patients with abdominal pain of other etiologies, and 20 healthy controls. RESULTS: The plasma serotonin levels were (mean +/- SD) 36.6 +/- 12.5 nmol/L, 12.5 +/- 3.6 nmol/L and 10.4 +/- 3.5 nmol/L in the three groups, respectively. The levels in patients with acute appendicitis were significantly higher (p < 0.001) than in the other groups, giving 93.8% sensitivity and 95.7% specificity to the test. CONCLUSION: Plasma serotonin level is a reliable marker of acute appendicitis, especially in the first 48 hours.
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Kalra U, Chitkara N, Dadoo RC, Singh GP, Gulati P, Narula S. Evaluation of plasma serotonin concentration in acute appendicitis. Indian Journal of Gastroenterology. 1997 Jan; 16(1): 18-9
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https://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/64643
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Indian Journal of Gastroenterology