Red cell distribution width, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase and anticoagulant use affect mortality in acute arterial mesenteric ischemia

Abstract

Background: Despite advances in surgery and intensive care, mortality in acute mesenteric ischemia remains between 50% and 90%. In this study, we evaluated factors affecting mortality in acute arterial mesenteric ischemia. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study involving 73 patients with an initial diagnosis of arterial acute mesenteric ischemia admitted to Ankara Numune Teaching Hospital between January 2008 and December 2013. We retrospectively collected data about demographic variables, co-morbidities, medications, extent of surgical resection, laboratory values, pathology results and outcome. Results: The mean age of the patients was 69.3±12.6. Thirty one patients were female (42.46%) and 42 (57.53%) were male. We divided the patients into two groups: Group 1 (n=40); those who died and Group 2 (n=33); those who were discharged. In multivariate analysis of high gamma glutamyl transpeptidase and red cell distribution width levels, the presence of anticoagulant use was statistically significant (p<0.05) in favor of Group 1. Conclusion: High red cell distribution width and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase levels and anti-coagulant use are factors affecting mortality in arterial acute mesenteric ischemia. The assessment of these variables could help predict the extent of arterial acute mesenteric ischemia and the mortality associated with it. © 2014 The Author(s).