Similarity of Insulin-Dependent Diabetics' and Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetics' Levels of β-hCG and Unconjugated Estriol With Controls: No Need to Adjust as With Alpha-Fetoprotein

Abstract

Objective: To determine if the same systematic alteration of serum values seen for alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in diabetic patients is also seen for β-hCG and unconjugated estriol (uE3).

Methods: Serum AFP, β-hCG, and uE3 results were obtained in 18,639 patients for whom complete follow-up information was obtained. Patients were divided into euglycemic (n = 18,088), insulin-requiring diabetics (n = 104), and non-insulin-requiring diabetics (n = 437), as well as by race.

Results: The 20% adjustment used for AFP appropriately corrects serum values. No such systematic variation is seen for either β-hCG or uE3 by glycemic status or race.

Conclusion: No adjustment for β-hCG or uE3 is necessary for diabetes for biochemical screening programs.

Keywords

Insulin diabetes screening programs multiple marker biochemical screening

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