Detection of serum CA125 in endometriosis patients

Aim: To research the value of the serum CA125 fluctuation during the menstrual cycle in the diagnosis of endometriosis (EM). Methods: A total of 65 patients who underwent laparoscopy to diagnose pelvic causes of infertility were collected,among whom,35 cases were EM (study group),and 30 cases were patients with normal laparoscopyic findings (control group). Serum samples were taken for CA125 determination during menstruation and during nonmenstruation. Radioimmunoassay was used for CA125 determination. Results: CA125 concentration of EM patients during menstruation and nonmenstruation were (51.4±13.6)U/ml and (8.0±5.3)U/ml, respectively (P0.001). CA125 concerntrations of control group during menstruation and nonmenstruation were (9.0±4.5)U/ml and (6.8±4.6)U/ml, respectively ( P= 0.934). The CA125 level during menstruation was significantly higher in study group than that in control group (P 0.001 ). But the difference of CA125 concentrations in the nonmenstruation between the 2 groups was not significant (P=0.312). The threshold of ROC curve was 28%,the sensitivity was 81%, and the specificity was 72%. Conclusion: It may be possible to diagnose EM clinically by assessment of CA125 level during menstruation and nonmenstruation.