Key result
D-dimer testing for suspected pulmonary embolism in pregnancy had a sensitivity of 0.73, specificity of 0.15, and a negative likelihood ratio of 1.8, indicating it should not be used for exclusion.
Why the study?
Does D-dimer testing accurately exclude suspected pulmonary embolism in pregnant women?
Observational (n=37)
Does D-dimer testing accurately exclude suspected pulmonary embolism in pregnant women?
Effect estimate: Sensitivity 0.73, Specificity 0.15, Negative likelihood ratio 1.8
D-dimer testing has poor diagnostic accuracy and a high negative likelihood ratio in pregnancy, suggesting it should not be used to exclude pulmonary embolism.
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D-dimer lacks utility to exclude PE in pregnancy; leaves open need for prospective validation before any diagnostic role.
Damodaram et al. (2009) conducted an observational in Suspected pulmonary embolism in pregnancy (n=37). D-dimer testing vs. Ventilation perfusion (VQ) scan was evaluated on Diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (Sensitivity 0.73, Specificity 0.15, Negative likelihood ratio 1.8). D-dimer testing for suspected pulmonary embolism in pregnancy had a sensitivity of 0.73, specificity of 0.15, and a negative likelihood ratio of 1.8, indicating it should not be used for exclusion.
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