Changes in serum levels of gynecological tumor markers throughout the period from early gestation to puerperium]

The aim of this study is to elucidate the change in serum levels of gynecological tumor markers throughout the period from the early gestational stage to puerperium. We measured eight tumor markers of--CA 125, TPA, SCC, AFP, haptoglobin, ferritin, CA19-9 and CEA--in 17 healthy women with a normal course of pregnancy, delivery and puerperium, and obtained the following results: 1) Profiles of change in serum levels of CA125, SCC, haptoglobin and ferritin were similar during pregnancy, with those levels being the highest at 4-15 weeks of gestation and declining gradually from 16 to 27 weeks. Serum levels of these four markers decreased significantly (p less than 0.01) at 16-27 and 28-40 weeks of gestation, respectively. 2) A significant (p less than 0.01) increase in CA125 and SCC was observed 2 hours after delivery compared with the levels in the first stage of delivery. However, these two markers decreased to the normal range after the fifth day postpartum. 3) Serum TPA decreased significantly (p less than 0.05) in 16-27 weeks of gestation, comparing with those of 4-15 weeks. Serum CA19-9 and CEA remained almost unchanged within the normal range throughout the period from pregnancy to puerperium. 4) Tumor markers of CA125, TPA, SCC, haptoglobin, ferritin and CEA of which serum levels decreased during the course of pregnancy and puerperium might be a clue to judge whether gynecological tumors in pregnant women are malignant or benign.