Abstract
To clinically apply the inverse PSA–body mass index (BMI) correlation and enhance PSA sensitivity in obese cases, a new formula is warranted. An innovated BMI–PSA equation is designed. PSA–BMI adjusted formula (named Hekal's equation): measured total PSA (ng ml−1) multiplied by age (years) and divided by BMI of the patient. The formula is applied over a randomly chosen 1000 cases of different PSA, BMI, age and trans-rectal ultrasound biopsy results, the yield of new PSA is correlated with pathology and age-specific PSA adjustment values. Among the 988 cases with complete data, obesity (BMI: 30–35 kg m−2) in 236 cases (23.8%) and 79 cases (7.9%) have BMI>35 kg m−2. Mean PSA was 5.8 ng ml−1 (s.d.±8.4 ng ml−1). Cases stratified based on their age (every 10 years). The new equation was applied. Obesity is detected in 33.5 and 43.6% of fifth and sixth decade of life respectively (P=0.02), with low measured PSA values (2.1, 3.8 ng ml−1, respectively). By such PSA measurement biopsy may be omitted, missing 53.3% of malignant cases. In contrast, PSA adjusted were 4 and 9.3 ng ml−1 within the same group of patients. With such values, the decision of a biopsy could not be missed for the targeted groups. Specificity and sensitivity of adjusted PSA values at cutoff point 4 ng ml−1 was 41.7 and 70%, respectively. Based on our results, the new PSA–BMI adjusted formula is reproducible, easy applied formula. With such a formula the higher sensitivity of PSA in obese patients could be achieved. The misleading low PSA in obese cases in the fifth and sixth decade will be corrected.
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Appendices
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Appendix B
Abbreviations: ng/ml, nanogram per milliliter; BMI, body mass index.
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Hekal, I., Ibrahiem, E. Obesity–PSA relationship: a new formula. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis 13, 186–190 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1038/pcan.2009.53
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/pcan.2009.53
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