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Use of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Combined With CA-125 to Distinguish Endometriomas From Other Benign Ovarian Cysts

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Abstract

Purpose

The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) compared to CA-125 in patients with endometriomas.

Methods

This study was designed as a retrospective comparative study. A total of 807 women who underwent surgery due to benign ovarian cysts between January 2008 and January 2013 were included in the study. The NLR and CA-125 levels were assessed separately and together, with a receiver–operating characteristic curve analysis for the diagnosis of endometriomas.

Results

The mean serum levels of NLR, CA-125, and combined markers were significantly higher in the study group (all P < .001). According to the highest Youden index, the cutoff values were found to be 23.7 IU/mL for CA-125 at 75% sensitivity and 81% specificity and 1.89 for NLR at 70% sensitivity and 74% specificity. The cutoff value for the combined marker was 41.0 with 80% sensitivity and 82% specificity. There was a positive correlation between NLR and CA-125 (P < .001). Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was also positively correlated with the endometriosis score (P < .001).

Conclusions

Although NLR is a simple and easily applicable marker, CA-125 is superior for differentiating endometriomas from other benign ovarian cysts. The combination of these 2 markers improves diagnostic accuracy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zekai Tahir Burak Women’s Health Education and Research Hospital, Talatpasa Bulvarı, Hamamönü, Altındağ, 06230, Ankara, Turkey

    Aytekin Tokmak MD, Gulçin Yildirim MD, Efser Öztaş MD, Serra Akar MD, Kudret Erkenekli MD, Pınar Gülşen MD, Nafiye Yilmaz MD & Mustafa Uğur MD

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  1. Aytekin Tokmak MD
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  2. Gulçin Yildirim MD
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  3. Efser Öztaş MD
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  4. Serra Akar MD
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  5. Kudret Erkenekli MD
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  6. Pınar Gülşen MD
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  7. Nafiye Yilmaz MD
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  8. Mustafa Uğur MD
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Correspondence to Aytekin Tokmak MD.

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Tokmak, A., Yildirim, G., Öztaş, E. et al. Use of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Combined With CA-125 to Distinguish Endometriomas From Other Benign Ovarian Cysts. Reprod. Sci. 23, 795–802 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1177/1933719115620494

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1933719115620494

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