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Prostate-specific antigen concentrations in serum in acute illnesses
S A Honda1, A P Goldstein, T Morita
1Kaiser foundation Hospital, Honolulu, HI, USA.
Clinical Chemistry
|November 1, 1996
Summary
Alpha 2-macroglobulin (A2MG) may falsely lower prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in men. This study investigated acute-phase reactants and their impact on PSA test accuracy in hospital patients.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Oncology Diagnostics
Background:
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a key biomarker for prostate health.
- Recent research indicates PSA can form complexes with blood proteins.
- The influence of acute-phase reactants on PSA levels requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the effect of acute-phase reactants and alpha 2-macroglobulin (A2MG) on serum PSA concentrations.
- To assess potential interference in PSA testing due to these factors.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from 419 male patients in an acute-care facility were analyzed.
- Measurements included various acute-phase reactants (CRP, AAG, AAT, ACT) and A2MG using a Beckman Array analyzer.
- PSA concentrations were determined using two methods: Hybritech Tandem RIA and Abbott PSA IMx.
Main Results:
- A significant negative correlation was observed between A2MG serum concentrations and PSA values (P < 0.01).
- A significant positive correlation was found between age and PSA values (P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Elevated serum A2MG levels may lead to falsely decreased PSA test results.
- This finding has implications for the interpretation of PSA screening in patients with high A2MG.