Time‐dependent Variations in Ischemia‐modified Albumin Levels in Mesenteric Ischemia

Abstract

Abstract Objectives: The objective was to determine the value of ischemia‐modified albumin (IMA) in the diagnosis of mesenteric embolism. The authors investigated whether or not plasma IMA levels rose in the acute period in a rat model of mesenteric ischemia and the related time‐dependent changes. Methods: In this randomized, controlled, nonblinded trial, 36 mature female Wistar rats were divided into six groups: three control (Groups I, III, and V) and three ischemia (Groups II, IV, and VI). In the control groups, blood was sampled at 30 minutes (Group I), 2 hours (Group III), and 6 hours (Group V) following a simple laparotomy. In the ischemia groups, following laparotomy, the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) was clamped using a bulldog clamp, and blood samples were taken at 30 minutes (Group II), 2 hours (Group IV), and 6 hours (Group VI). Results: Plasma IMA levels in the ischemia groups were significantly higher compared to those of the control groups (p < 0.004). In addition, levels were higher in the 6‐hour blood samples of the ischemia group than in the 2‐hour and 30‐minute samples (p < 0.001). Serum IMA was also higher in the 2‐hour blood samples of the ischemia group than in the 30‐minute samples (p < 0.001). Conclusions: These preliminary findings suggest that serum IMA levels may represent a significant parameter in the early diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia and that further studies are necessary.