The performance of CA-125 measurement in the detection of endometriosis: a meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the diagnostic performance of serum CA-125 measurement in the detection of endometriosis.


METHODS
Meta-analysis.


METHODS
Twenty-three studies comparing serum CA-125 levels and laparoscopically confirmed endometriosis.


METHODS
Serum CA-125 measurement and laparoscopy.


METHODS
Sensitivity and specificity of serum CA-125 measurement in the diagnosis of endometriosis with laparoscopy as the reference standard.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Mol
B W
BW
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Joseph Hospital, Veldhoven, The Netherlands. bwmol@knmg.nl
Bayram
N
N
Lijmer
J G
JG
Wiegerinck
M A
MA
Bongers
M Y
MY
van der Veen
F
F
Bossuyt
P M
PM
D018394:CA-125 Antigen / Q000097:blood*; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012372:ROC Curve; D012015:Reference Standards; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D018394:CA-125 Antigen