Abstract
Previous studies using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) D-dimer in pulmonary embolism have suggested that the D-dimer cut-off should be adjusted for age. (Douma et al. BMJ 2010; 340 c.1475) Using a retrospective analysis from our DVT clinic we compared latex agglutination assay D-dimer values for patients without DVT in 10 year age brackets (1696 patients). There was a significant D-dimer level rise (compared to under 50 years) with advancing age.
We analysed the data from positive DVTs to look for an age adjusted D-dimer cut-off. (212 patients)
By generating receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves we calculated 95% sensitivity D-dimer cut-off limits for the various age brackets. A clear relationship between age and D-dimer cut-off could not be shown.
Our data again showed that D-dimer level rises with advancing age. However, with our assay an age adjusted D-dimer cut-off could not be deduced without reducing sensitivity.
- © 2012 ERS