Urine trypsinogen-2: A valuable factor for the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is a common cause of abdominal pain, without any characteristic signs, symptoms, or a gold standard diagnostic modality. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of urine trypsinogen-2 strip test in acute pancreatitis. In this cross-sectional study, 76 patients with abdominal pain suspected to acute pancreatitis who were admitted to the Emergency ward of Valiasr Hospital, Arak, were evaluated. In 46 patients, acute pancreatitis was confirmed (pancreatitis group), whereas in 28 patients, acute pancreatitis was ruled out (control group). In both groups serum levels of amylase, lipase, CRP, and urine trypsinogen-2 were measured by quantitative and qualitative methods. Sensitivity and specificity of the tests were determined and data were analyzed using SPSS software. Urine trypsinogen-2 dipstick was positive in 36 of the 45 patients in the pancreatitis group (sensitivity: 80%) and in 2 of the 28 patients in the control group (specificity: 92.8%). Urine trypsinogen-2 ELISA test was positive in 41 of the 45 patients in the pancreatitis group (sensitivity: 91.1%) and in 4 of the 28 patients in the control group (specificity: 89%). Amylase sensitivity and specificity were equal to 82.6% and 75%, respectively. Lipase sensitivity and specificity were 76% and 85.7%, respectively. Urine trypsinogen-2 dipstick can be used to differentiate acute pancreatitis from other causes of abdominal pain. This rapid, easy-to-use, and accurate test can be used in emergency wards and primary health care units with limited diagnostic facilities.