Positive predictive value of albumin: globulin ratio for feline infectious peritonitis in a mid-western referral hospital population

J Feline Med Surg. 2012 Dec;14(12):903-5. doi: 10.1177/1098612X12454862. Epub 2012 Jul 18.

Abstract

Low albumin to globulin ratio has been found previously to have a high positive predictive value for feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) in cats with clinical signs highly suggestive of the disease. However, FIP can have a more vague clinical presentation. This retrospective study found that the positive predictive value of an albumin:globulin (A:G) ratio of <0.8 and <0.6 was only 12.5% and 25%, respectively, in a group of 100 cats with one or more clinical signs consistent with FIP. The negative predictive value was 100% and 99% for an A:G ratio of <0.8 and A:G<0.6%, respectively. Therefore, when the prevalence of FIP is low, the A:G ratio is useful to rule out FIP but is not helpful in making a positive diagnosis of FIP.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cats
  • Feline Infectious Peritonitis / diagnosis*
  • Female
  • Likelihood Functions
  • Male
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • ROC Curve
  • Referral and Consultation
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Serum Albumin / analysis*
  • Serum Albumin / metabolism
  • Serum Globulins / analysis*
  • United States

Substances

  • Serum Albumin
  • Serum Globulins