Can serum L-lactate, D-lactate, creatine kinase and I-FABP be used as diagnostic markers in critically ill patients suspected for bowel ischemia.

Background: The prognostic value of biochemical tests in critically ill patients with multiple organ failure and suspected bowel ischemia is unknown.

Methods: In a prospective observational cohort study intensive care patients were included when the attending intensivist considered intestinal ischemia in the diagnostic workup at any time during intensive care stay. Patients were only included once.