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Elevated serum CA19-9 levels in poorly controlled diabetic patients. Relationship with Lewis blood group
J M Petit1, G Vaillant, N O Olsson
1Service d'Endocrinologie-Diabétologie, Centre Hospitalier Régional et Universitaire de Dijon.
Insights
Elevated cancer antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) levels are common in diabetic patients, particularly those with poor glycemic control. This study found a significant correlation between higher glycosylated hemoglobin and CA19-9 levels in diabetics.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Clinical Chemistry
- Immunology
Background:
- Elevated serum cancer antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) levels are often associated with non-malignant diseases.
- Recent evidence suggests that diabetes mellitus may also contribute to CA19-9 elevations.
- Understanding these associations is crucial for accurate diagnostic interpretation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of glycemic control and Lewis blood group phenotype on serum CA19-9 levels in patients with diabetes mellitus.
- To determine the frequency of elevated CA19-9 in diabetic patients without malignancy.
Main Methods:
- Serum CA19-9 levels were measured in 84 diabetic patients.
- Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were assessed to evaluate glycemic control.
- Lewis phenotypes (Le(a-b+), Le(a-b-)) were determined.
- Statistical analysis was performed to identify correlations.
Main Results:
- 17.8% of diabetic patients exhibited serum CA19-9 levels exceeding 100 kU/L.
- Serum CA19-9 concentrations showed a significant positive correlation with glycosylated hemoglobin levels.
- Patients with the Le(a-b-) phenotype had significantly lower serum CA19-9 levels.
- No correlation was found with diabetes type, lipase levels, or anti-islet cell antibodies.
Conclusions:
- Elevated serum CA19-9 is frequent in diabetic patients, irrespective of cancer.
- Glycemic control, indicated by glycosylated hemoglobin, significantly impacts CA19-9 levels.
- Lewis phenotype influences CA19-9 levels, with Le(a-b-) individuals showing lower concentrations.
Abstract:
Many non-malignant diseases may be associated with elevated serum CA19-9 levels. Recent reports suggest that diabetes mellitus may also be responsible for some elevations. In this study we investigated the influence of the glycaemic level and Lewis phenotype on the serum CA19-9 levels in diabetic patients. In 15 out of 84 patients (17.8%) serum CA19-9 exceeded 100 kU/L (highest value: 208 kU/L). CA19-9 concentrations were significantly correlated with glycosylated haemoglobin levels. On the other hand, no correlation was found between CA19-9 levels and the type of diabetes, lipase levels, or the presence of anti-islet cell antibodies. Le(a-b-) patients had significantly lower serum CA19-9 levels. This study emphasizes the frequency of CA19-9 elevations in diabetic patients without cancer.