D-dimer Level Determination in the Diagnosis of Deep Vein Thrombosis Following Lower Extremity Fracture: a Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: the determination of D-dimer levels in diagnosing deep vein thrombosis following lower extremity fractures presents a complex yet critical challenge. This cross-sectional study aims to delineate the diagnostic value of D-dimer in this specific patient group, contributing to improved clinical practices and patient outcomes. Material and methods: Blood samples were collected from each participant within ۲۴ hours of hospital admission. D-dimer levels were measured using a quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The assay was performed in the hospital’s central laboratory following standard operating procedures. The D-dimer levels were expressed in fibrinogen equivalent units (FEU) with a cut-off value of ۵۰۰ ng/mL considered as the threshold for abnormal levels. Results: The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of D-dimer for diagnosing DVT were calculated. Conclusion: the determination of D-dimer levels is a valuable diagnostic tool for detecting DVT in patients with lower extremity fractures. While the high sensitivity and NPV support its use as a preliminary screening test, the moderate specificity and PPV suggest that elevated D-dimer levels should be followed by confirmatory imaging.

Keywords:

D-dimer , Diagnosis , DVT , Lower Extremity Fracture