Retrospective study evaluation of DGGR lipase for diagnosis, agreement with pancreatic lipase and prognosis in dogs with suspected acute pancreatitis

OBJECTIVES: Activity of 1,2‐o‐dilauryl‐rac‐glycero‐3‐glutaric acid‐(6′‐methylresorufin) ester (DGGR) lipase is considered to be more pancreas specific than traditional lipase assays. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of DGGR lipase activity for suspected acute pancreatitis in dogs and to assess its prognostic usefulness. METHODS: Retrospective study of case records for suspected acute pancreatitis based on clinician‐stated diagnosis, point‐of‐care and quantitative canine pancreas‐specific lipase (cPL) results and consistent ultrasonographic features. Diagnostic performance of DGGR lipase was assessed by receiver‐operating characteristic curve analysis, agreement by Cohen's kappa (κ) and prognostic value by multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: Median DGGR lipase activity was significantly (P < 0.001) higher in dogs with suspected acute pancreatitis [93.7 (range, 11.0–2853.0) U/L (n = 158)] compared to those with no evidence of pancreatitis [range, 20.9 (6.7–89.0) U/L (n = 356)]. A DGGR lipase activity >42.15 U/L had the best combined diagnostic sensitivity (81.0%) and specificity (92.1%). Previously established cut‐offs (>130 and >80 U/L) had sensitivities of 40.5 and 43.0%, and specificities of 100 and 99.7%, respectively. There was near perfect (κ = 0.821) and substantial (κ = 0.751) agreement between DGGR lipase activity >42.15 U/L and quantitative cPL concentrations ≥200 and ≥400 μg/L, respectively. DGGR lipase activity but not quantitative cPL concentration was statistically (P = 0.043, odds ratio = 0.999) predictive of discharge but clinical utility is questionable. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Using DGGR lipase at the lower cut‐off could provide an additional test for supporting a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis in dogs particularly if cPL results are not available. Larger studies are required to more fully assess its value in prognostication.