Diagnostic value of platelet indices, carbohydrate antigen 19-9 and carcinoembryonic antigen in differentiating malignant from benign gastric ulcers

Abstract

Objective To elucidate the value of platelet indices, carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in differentiating malignant from benign gastric ulcers. Background Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignant diseases and benign gastric ulcer is a worldwide disease, responsible for substantial premature mortality. Clinical symptoms of early gastric cancer could not be used to distinguish gastric cancer from ulcers. Platelet indices: mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) are a group of platelet parameters investigated as platelet activation indicators. Patients and methods This prospective study included 150 patients: 30 patients with malignant gastric ulcer, 60 patients with benign gastric ulcer, and 60 healthy control participants. Upper endoscope with tissue biopsy and pathological evaluation, Helicobacter pylori stool antigen, platelet count, PDW, MPV, CEA, CA 19-9, computed tomography scan of the chest, abdomen, and the pelvis were assessed. Results Platelet count, MPV, PDW, CEA, and CA 19-9 were significantly higher in malignant gastric ulcer patients than benign ulcer patients and controls. MPV and PDW showed sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (93.3, 70 and 0.934% and 96.7, 86.7 and 0.966%, respectively) in predicting malignancy in gastric ulcer patients with improved diagnostic accuracy when combined with CEA and CA 19-9. Higher platelet count and PDW were significantly associated with advanced clinicopathological parameters of gastric cancer. Conclusion Changes in platelet indices are valuable markers in predicting malignancy in gastric ulcer patients. Significant increase in platelet count and PDW correlate and could be reliable markers, together with other markers of gastric cancer (CEA and CA 19-9), for clinicopathological features of malignant gastric ulcer.