|
The cancer antigen CA-125, discovered by using monoclonal antibodies raised against cells derived from the ovarian cancer cell line OVCA 433, has been a helpful diagnostic adjunct in evaluating patients with many gynecologic problems including malignant and benign diseases. In a recent investigation, it was suggested that some impending abortions may be associated with disruption of the epithelial basement membrane of either the fetal membrane or the decidua, leading to an increase in maternal serum CA-125. In the present study, we have performed to evaluate the possible clinical role of CA-125 serum levels in patients with ectopic pregnancy. The following results were obstained. 1. The mean CA-125 levels (Mean± S.D., u/ml)were 57.80±40.63 in normal healthy early pregnant women and 54.01±97.42 in patients with ectopic pregnancy. 2. The serum levels of CA-125 (Mean±S.D., u/ml) in patients with ectopic pregnancy and normal early pregnant women at 7 to 8 weeks gestation were 28.96±18.38 and 76.13±52.75, respectively. These levels were statistically significant (p<0.01). 3. The serum levels of CA-125 (Mean±S.D., u/ml) in patients with ruptured and unruptured type of ectopic pregnancy were 84.65±126.35 and 19.20±12.43, respectively. These levels were statistically significant(p<0.05). 4. High serum levels of CA-125 were noted when there were profuse bleeding in the peritoneal cavity.
|