Cancer Antigen 125 and Nephrotic Syndrome

Abstract

Background: Cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) serves as a nonspecific test for the diagnosis of several pathologic conditions involving a compromised mesothelium resulting from inflammatory processes. This investigation reports the association of CA-125 with severe nephrotic syndrome caused by primary glomerulopathy, which often coexists with inflammation.

Methods: CA-125 levels, clinical data and isolated ultrafiltration therapy were assessed with severe nephrotic syndrome. Nineteen patients were recruited with nephrotic syndrome and primary glomerulopathy. Of these, seven patients had criteria for severe nephrotic syndrome which was defined as including all three of the following criteria: 1) proteinuria is greater than or equal to 8 g/24 h; 2) the presence of anasarca; and 3) creatinine is greater than or equal to 1.2 mg/dL. The nonparametric Spearman Rho and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to assess these correlations.

Results: There was an increase in CA-125 levels in 85% of the patients with nephrotic syndrome. The patients defined as having severe nephrotic syndrome showed a median CA-125 value of 1,501 U/mL (P < 0.001), with levels up to 90-fold greater than normal during the initial assessment. CA-125 ? 700 U/mL was associated with 100% sensitivity and 91% specificity for severe nephrotic syndrome (P < 0.001).

Conclusions: CA-125 test is associated quantitatively with the severity of nephrotic syndrome.




World J Nephrol Urol. 2019;8(1):14-16
doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/wjnu385