CA 125 in Human Milk and Serum

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Abstract
CA 125 serum concentrations drawn immediately following delivery exceeded 35 U/ml in all cases (median 276 U/ml). One week post partum elevations of CA 125 were still found, but the median level decreased to 45 U/ml. Six weeks after parturition no positivity was detected in the serum (median 12 U/ml). Considerable CA 125 levels were present in the human milk 1 week after delivery (median 208 U/ml). CA 125 was still found in the milk after 6 weeks (median 153 U/ml). We conclude that positive CA 125 concentrations in the serum after parturition derive from an antigen transfer to the maternal circulation during the placental separation. Furthermore, CA 125 seems to be synthesized by the lactating breast.