[Serum sialic acid bound to lipoproteins. Its contribution to the diagnosis and follow-up of melanoma].

Abstract

Plasma lipid bound sialic acid (LSA) was measurement in 41 patients with malignant melanoma to determine the utility of this biochemical marker in the stating and in monitoring the post-operative follow-up. LSA was determined in 26 cases pre and post-operation, and in 15 cases only post-operation. Multiple determinations was done in 12 cases during two years of post-operative follow-up. Patients with preoperatory determination exhibited LSA levels significantly higher (p 0.0001) than the healthy control group. Relationship between LSA highest levels and tumoral size up 2 cm. in diameter was found (p 0.02). A second determination after 2 months of cases. LSA multiple post-operative controls showed continuing elevation of LSA levels up the normal rates was corresponding with metastasis in 100% of cases.