The performance of CA-125 measurement in the detection of endometriosis: a meta-analysis

Mol BW, Ben W. Mol, B W Mol, Bayram N, Neriman Bayram, N Bayram, J G Lijmer, Jeroen G. Lijmer, Lijmer JG, Wiegerinck MA, M.A.H.M. Wiegerinck, M A Wiegerinck, Bongers MY, M Y Bongers, Marlies Y. Bongers, Fulco van der Veen, F van der Veen, van der Veen F, Bossuyt PM, Patrick M. Bossuyt, P M Bossuyt
Fertility and Sterility · 1998 · vol. 70(6) , pp. 1101–1108 · doi:10.1016/s0015-0282(98)00355-0 · PMID:9848302 · W2110530600
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This meta-analysis evaluated the diagnostic performance of CA-125 for detecting endometriosis.

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Abstract

ObjectiveTo assess the diagnostic performance of serum CA-125 measurement in the detection of endometriosis.DesignMeta-analysis.Setting and patient(s)Twenty-three studies comparing serum CA-125 levels and laparoscopically confirmed endometriosis.Intervention(s)Serum CA-125 measurement and laparoscopy.Main outcome measure(s)Sensitivity and specificity of serum CA-125 measurement in the diagnosis of endometriosis with laparoscopy as the reference standard.Result(s)The estimated summary receiver operating characteristic curves showed that the performance of serum CA-125 measurement in the diagnosis of endometriosis grade I/IV is limited, whereas its performance in the diagnosis of endometriosis grade III/IV is better.Conclusion(s)Despite its limited diagnostic performance, we believe that the routine use of serum CA-125 measurement in patients with infertility might be justified. In contrast to laparoscopy, serum CA-125 measurement is an inexpensive test that is not a burden for the patient. It could identify a subgroup of patients who are more likely to benefit from early laparoscopy. Studies reporting on the mutual dependence between serum CA-125 measurement and data from the history and physical examination are needed.

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Condition tags

endometriosis

MeSH descriptors

CA-125 Antigen Endometriosis CA-125 Antigen Endometriosis Endometriosis Endometriosis Female Humans Laparoscopy Predictive Value of Tests Reference Standards ROC Curve Sensitivity and Specificity

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