2014•PubMedOpen access
Comparison of serum amyloid A and C-reactive protein as diagnostic markers of systemic inflammation in dogs.
Michelle Brønniche Christensen, Rebecca Langhorn, Amelia Goddard, Eva Bartholin Andreasen, Elena R. Moldal, Asta Tvarijonaviciute, Jolle Kirpensteijn, Sabrina Jakobsen, Frida Persson, Mads Kjelgaard‐Hansen
Open full text 67 citations
Abstract
The diagnostic performance of canine serum amyloid A (SAA) was compared with that of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the detection of systemic inflammation in dogs. Sera from 500 dogs were retrospectively included in the study. C-reactive protein and SAA were measured using validated automated assays. The overlap performance, clinical decision limits, overall diagnostic performance, correlations, and agreement in the clinical classification between these 2 diagnostic markers were compared. Significantly higher concentrations of both proteins were detected in dogs with systemic inflammation (SAA range: 48.75 to > 2700 mg/L; CRP range: 0.4 to 907.4 mg/L) compared to dogs without systemic inflammation (SAA range: 1.06 to 56.4 mg/L; CRP range: 0.07 to 24.7 mg/L). Both proteins were shown to be sensitive and specific markers of systemic inflammation in dogs. Significant correlations and excellent diagnostic agreement were observed between the 2 markers. However, SAA showed a wider range of concentrations and a significantly superior overall diagnostic performance compared with CRP.