Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess the diagnostic performance of serum CA-125 measurement in the detection of endometriosis. DESIGN: Meta-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
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1101-1108 |
Journal | Fertility and Sterility |
Volume | 70 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1998 |