Abstract | BACKGROUND/AIMS: Altered CA19-9 levels are commonly found in patients with liver cirrhosis though a clear explanation for this finding has not yet been given. The aim of this study was to investigate whether CA19-9 levels might be related to alterations in biochemical parameters and/or to functional impairment in cirrhotic patients with and without hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS: RESULTS: CONCLUSIONS: In our study we confirmed the correlation of CA19-9 levels with cholestasis and cytolysis parameters. Moreover, we found no association between CA19-9 levels and impaired liver function as assessed by means of the Child-Pugh's score and the monoethylglycinexylidide test, which is cholestasis-independent and explores liver metabolic and clearance activities. The cholestatic picture that characterizes liver cirrhosis might enhance the expression and passage of the marker from the bile to the blood. The addition of CA19-9 assessment is not useful for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with non-diagnostic levels of alpha-fetoprotein. Caution should therefore be used when evaluating CA19-9 in cirrhotic patients with cholestasis, since false positive results may occur.
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Authors | E Giannini, P Borro, F Botta, B Chiarbonello, A Fasoli, F Malfatti, P Romagnoli, E Testa, D Risso, P B Lantieri, A Antonucci, M Boccato, S Milone, R Testa |
Journal | The International journal of biological markers
(Int J Biol Markers)
2000 Jul-Sep
Vol. 15
Issue 3
Pg. 226-30
ISSN: 0393-6155 [Print] United States |
PMID | 11012098
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- CA-19-9 Antigen
(blood)
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular
(blood)
- Cholestasis
(blood)
- Female
- Humans
- Liver Cirrhosis
(blood)
- Liver Neoplasms
(blood)
- Male
- Middle Aged
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