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Prostate-specific antigen levels among cirrhotic patients
M Akdogan1, B S Hassoun, A Gurakar
1Division of Liver Transplantation, Nazih Zuhdi Transplantation Institute, Integris Baptist Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA. akdmeral@yahoo.com
The International Journal of Biological Markers
|November 1, 2002
Summary
Serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels are lower in men with liver cirrhosis and decrease with disease severity. Despite this, PSA remains a reliable marker for managing prostate conditions in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Hepatology
- Oncology
Background:
- Liver cirrhosis can affect various physiological processes.
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a key biomarker for prostate health.
- Understanding PSA behavior in cirrhotic patients is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum PSA levels in patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis.
- To correlate PSA levels with the severity of liver disease.
- To assess the reliability of PSA as a marker in cirrhotic patients.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated 216 men with cirrhosis between 1995 and 2001.
- Classified liver disease severity using the Child-Pugh classification.
- Measured serum PSA using Hybritech Tandem-R RIA and compared with age-related norms.
- Performed digital rectal examination (DRE) and recommended further urological assessment (TRUS, biopsy) for abnormal findings.
Main Results:
- Mean PSA in cirrhotic patients was 0.57 +/- 0.84 ng/mL, lower than in the general population.
- A statistically significant inverse correlation was observed between PSA levels and liver disease severity (p=0.002).
- PSA levels increased significantly with age (p<0.001).
- Three out of four patients who underwent biopsy were diagnosed with prostate cancer; one had benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Conclusions:
- Serum PSA levels are significantly influenced by the severity of liver cirrhosis.
- Lower PSA levels are characteristic of cirrhotic patients compared to healthy individuals.
- Serum PSA remains a valuable and reliable marker for the clinical management of prostatic diseases in patients with liver cirrhosis.