Abstract Introduction: Endometriosis is a common, benign, gynaecological disorder characterised by the presence of functional endometrial glands and stroma in sites other than the uterine mucosa. Considerable efforts are currently being devoted to the identification of possible biomarkers of the disease to make its diagnosis less invasive and more accessible. The first and most frequently used marker is CA-125, and it has been extensively studied, however other markers that had been tested are CA 19-9, CA 15-3. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the efficacy of these biochemical markers for the diagnosis of endometriosis. Methods: This study was carried out over a period of one year (Oct 2014 to Sept 2015). 100 cases were enrolled in the study and were divided in two groups. Study group (Group A) included 50 patients with pelvic endometriosis diagnosed by ultrasonography and confirmed by surgical procedure (laparoscopy and or laparotomy). Control group (Group B) included 50 patients without endometriosis confirmed by laparoscopy done for bilateral tubal ligation. The severity of endometriosis was staged according to revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine (rASRM) classification. Peripheral blood sample (5ml) was collected by venipuncture. Blood was centrifuged @ 1200 rev/ min for 4 min and the supernatant was stored at less than 20 degree Celsius until blood examination. Concentration of CA 125, CA 19-9 and CA 15-3 was determined by chemiluminescence using automated analyser. Results and Conclusion: In our study, CA125 came out to be the biomarker with maximum sensitivity (93.62%) and specificity (88.68%) followed by CA19-9 with sensitivity and specificity of 89.58% and 86.54% respectively, followed by CA15-3 with sensitivity and specificity of 85.37% and 74.58% respectively for the diagnosis of endometriosis.

Keywords: Endometriosis biomarkers, CA 125, CA 19-9, CA 15-3.