Abstract:

Objective To analyze the levels of serum tumor markers CA199, CEA, CA153, CA125, and AFP in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes and related influencing factors. Methods Data of elderly patients with type 2 diabetes (the diabetes group with average age of 61.53±4.95, n=241) admitted between June 2012 and July 2014 were collected. The age-matched healthy individuals receiving physical examination at the same time period served as controls (the control group, n=178). The levels of five serum tumor markers were compared between two groups. The diabetes group was regrouped according to HbA1C level and age and the levels of serum tumor markers were compared between subgroups. Pearson correlation analysis and multi-factor Logistic regression analysis were used to analyze related influencing factors. Results The levels of serum CA199, CEA, and CA153 were significantly higher in the diabetes group than in the control group (P<0.05). The differences in serum CA199 and CEA levels in subgroups with different HbA1C levels were statistically significant (P<0.05) and the differences in serum CA199, CEA, and CA153 levels in subgroups with different ages were statistically significant (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that increased BMI and decreased serum albumin were risk factors for elevated serum CA199 level and increased age was a risk factor for elevated serum CEA and CA153 levels, while increased serum creatinine level and decreased serum albumin level were risk factors for elevated CA125 level. Conclusion Levels of some serum tumor markers increase in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes. HbA1C level and age should be taken into account for clinical interpretation. Long term follow-up is needed to avoid misdiagnoses and missed diagnoses.

Key words: tumor marker, type 2 diabetes, elderly