Is neopterin a diagnostic marker of acute appendicitis?

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of acute appendicitis, even for experienced surgeons, can sometimes be complex. A delay in diagnosis increases the complication rate. This experimental study aimed to investigate the suitability and significance of neopterin as a marker for acute appendicitis. METHODS: The levels of neopterin were measured using an acute.appendicitis animal model in 35 New Zealand male rabbits.They were divided into 5 groups as Group 1= control; Group.2= sham; and Groups 3 (12-hour); 4 (24-hour); and 5 (48-hour).(based on the elapsed time period before their appendectomies). The neopterin levels of each group were measured by neopterin.enzyme immunoassay kit in blood samples (taken before.the appendectomies in Groups 3, 4 and 5).RESULTS: For the diagnosis of acute appendicitis, the optimal cut-off.point was 34.475 nmol/L. The probability of acute appendicitis.was found to be 4.667 times higher when the neopterin.level was greater than 34.475 nmol/L.CONCLUSION: This study was an experimental animal study; however, it.provides valuable clues useful in clinical assessment. Neopterin.seems to have great potential as a new diagnostic.marker for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis.