Serum CA 125 in acute pelvic inflammatory disease

Area of Science:

• Gynecology
• Oncology
• Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a common gynecological infection.
• Tumor markers, such as CA 125, are sometimes elevated in various inflammatory conditions.
• The diagnostic utility of CA 125 in PID requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and significance of elevated serum CA 125 levels in patients diagnosed with PID.
• To explore the correlation between CA 125 levels and clinical, laboratory, and laparoscopic findings in PID patients.

Main Methods:

• Serum levels of CA 125 and other tumor markers (CEA, CA 15-3, AFP, beta 2-microglobulin) were measured in 31 patients with proven PID.
• Clinical data, including age, duration of symptoms, intrauterine device (IUD) use, and physical examination findings (adnexal mass), were collected.
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was measured.
• Laparoscopic findings were used to assess the severity of adnexal inflammation.
• Microbiological cultures from the upper genital tract were performed.

Main Results:

• Elevated CA 125 levels were observed in 32% of PID patients.
• Higher CA 125 levels were associated with older age, IUD use, longer symptom duration, elevated ESR, and presence of an adnexal mass.
• A positive correlation was found between CA 125 levels and the severity of adnexal inflammation determined by laparoscopy.
• No significant association was found between elevated CA 125 and specific microbial isolates.
• CA 125 levels generally decreased during treatment for PID.

Conclusions:

• PID is a significant cause of elevated CA 125 in young women, potentially leading to misdiagnosis as malignancy.
• CA 125 levels in PID reflect disease severity and may serve as a useful biomarker.
• Monitoring CA 125 levels could aid in assessing treatment response in PID.