Utility of CA125 in acute decompensated heart failure

Abstract

Background: In acute decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF), Signs and symptoms are explained by congestion. Carbohydrate antigen (CA) 125, a tumor marker, is shown to be a surrogate for congestion and inflammation Aim: evaluating the utility of CA 125 in ADHF Methods: We investigated CA 125 compared to NT-proBNP in 70 participants (35 cases and 35 control) . Relationship of CA 125 to complications (Death or rehospitalization for HF) was assessed with its cost effectiveness compared to NT-ProBNP Results: CA 125 was significantly higher in ADHF cases than in controls (mean ± SD 39 ± 12.7 and 7.4 ± 10.8 respectively, At cut-off value 35 , CA125 predicted diagnosis of ADHF with 80% sensitivity, 88.6% specificity, ( p = 0.001 ). Patients with complications showed a higher level of CA 125 compared to uncomplicated patients (mean ± SD 45.9 ± 10.3 and 33.3 ± 11.8 respectively, At cut-off value 41 , CA125 predicted complications with 87.5% sensitivity, 69% specificity (p value 0.001) There was strong positive significant correlation coefficient between CA125 and NT-proBNP in diagnosis of ADHF (r = 0.81) with significant p value <0.05 and moderate positive correlation coefficient between CA125 and NT-proBNP among complicated cases was found (r=0.56) with significant p value <0.05. We found that CA 125 gives same value as NT-proBNP with less cost. Conclusion: CA125 level is high in patients with acute decompensated heart failure and predicts adverse prognosis. CA125 is a cost-effective test.