Primary biliary cirrhosis is not a clinical condition for increased carbohydrate-deficient transferrin: experience with four independent CDT analysis methods.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is considered as an important cause for increased carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT). The underlying pathomechanism is difficult to explain by the pathogenesis and/or consequences of PBC. We tested whether PBC causes increased CDT results with current CDT analysis methods and, if so, whether this depends on the CDT analysis principle.

METHODS:

48 serum samples from PBC patients were analyzed by HPLC, microcolumn CDT and non-CDT fractionation followed by a turbidimetric immunoassay, particle-enhanced immunonephelometry with monoclonal CDT antibodies, and capillary electrophoresis. The test-specific decision limits were used for categorization of the CDT analysis results into normal and increased values.

RESULTS:

HPLC: 47 normal/1 increased, microcolumn+TIA: 46 normal/2 increased, particle-enhanced immunonephelometry: 41 normal/7 increased, capillary electrophoresis: 48 normal CDT results. After combining an immunological CDT test (microcolumn+TIA or particle-enhanced immunonephelometry) as the screening method with a physico-chemical CDT test (HPLC or electrophoresis) as the confirmatory method, 1 case remained with increased CDT values by the screening (value 2.6%, cut-off 2.5%, particle-enhanced immunonephelometry) and confirmatory (value 1.8%, cut-off 1.75%, HPLC) analysis.

CONCLUSIONS:

PBC should no longer be overstressed as an important cause for false-positive CDT results regarding chronic alcohol abuse. In the presence of odd CDT results, PBC should be considered in the anamnestic exploration. However, PBC is not by itself a cause for increased CDT values.

• Authors: Torsten Arndt, Ursula Meier, Markus Nauck, Axel M Gressner
• Journal: Clinica chimica acta; international journal of clinical chemistry (Clin Chim Acta) Vol. 372 Issue 1-2 Pg. 184-7 (Oct 2006) ISSN: 0009-8981 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 16790238 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Transferrin
• carbohydrate-deficient transferrin

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
• Electrophoresis, Capillary
• Female
• Humans
• Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary (blood, pathology)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Transferrin (analogs & derivatives, metabolism)