The diagnostic value of irisin in patients with acute abdominal pain: a preliminary study

Abstract

Background: the aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of irisin by examining the serum level of this smooth muscle protein in patients presenting at the emergency department (ED) with acute abdominal pain. Methods: this research was performed as a single-center, prospective, cross-sectional study. In all, 213 adult patients presenting at the ED with acute abdominal pain and 140 healthy controls were enrolled. The serum irisin level was correlated with the leukocyte, C-reactive protein, amylase, and creatine kinase values. The irisin level was compared between groups of those who were admitted or discharged, and those who received surgical or medical treatment. Results: the mean irisin level of the 213 patients and the 140 controls was 6.81 +/- 3.17 mcg/mL vs. 5.69 +/- 2.08 mcg/mL. The mean irisin value of the hospitalized patients (7.98 +/- 3.1 1 mcg/mL) was significantly higher than that of the discharged patient group (6.38 +/- 3.09 mcg/mL) and the controls (control vs. discharged: p=0.202; control vs. hospitalized: p<0.001; discharged vs. hospitalized: p=0.001). When compared with that of the control group, the irisin level was significantly higher in patients with gall bladder diseases, urolithiasis, and acute appendicitis (p=0.001, p=0.007, p=0.007). Conclusion: the serum irisin level in patients with abdominal pain may serve as a guide in diagnostic decision-making and determining the prognosis for cases of acute abdominal pain involving luminal obstruction in tubular intra-abdominal organs.