title: The potential value of endotoxin-amylase detection in peritoneal lavage fluid.
abstract: Widespread acceptance of Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate testing in clinical situations has been elusive. The results obtained in this series of 38 patients seem to support the contention that the amylase-endotoxin complex can be of value in detecting rapidly and with reasonable sensitivity the presence of pancreatic injury and gastrointestinal perforations. A corrected WBC count appears to add diagnostic possibilities to the technique. Despite the promising evidence detailed in this paper, further studies are required to establish the true sensitivity/specificity of the test. Its validity and utility could be assessed rapidly if traumatologists who routinely perform lavage would utilize this method and report their findings.
mesh_terms: D000007:Abdominal Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis*; D000681:Amylases / Q000032:analysis*; D001202:Ascitic Fluid / Q000032:analysis*; D004064:Digestive System / Q000293:injuries; D006801:Humans; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000175:diagnosis*; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008033:Limulus Test; D010179:Pancreas / Q000293:injuries; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation
chemical_list: D000681:Amylases