Posted on Sun, Mar 18, 2012
Pro-carboxypeptidase A (PCPA) levels were determined in 10 and 16 patients with early and late adenocarcinoma of the head of the pancreas, respectively. The upper limit of normal of 2.35 u/L for PCPA was exceeded in 90% and 56% of patients with early- and late-stage pancreatic cancer, respectively. PCPA was shown to have a sensitivity of 94% in the detection of early-stage pancreatic cancer.
Posted on Sat, Mar 03, 2012
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meta-analysis of 9 studies (n=1,798 patients) was performed to determine the value of the aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) as a non-invasive means to detect hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis. Of the 1,798 patients, 53.1% and 13.5% had biopsy-proven fibrosis and cirrhosis, respectively. At APRI cut-off values of 0.5 and 1.5, the sensitivity and specificity for fibrosis were 84% and 41%, and 49% and 84%, respectively. At APRI cut-off values of 1.0-1.5 and 2.0, the sensitivity and specificity for cirrhosis were 54% and 78%, and 28% and 87%, respectively. Thus, the APRI has limited value in detecting hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis.