Elevated Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein as A Prognostic Factor for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Chronic Liver Disease

Abstract

Objective: To determine the elevated Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein level in Hepatocellular Carcinoma patients with chronic liver disease at Isra University Hospital Hyderabad. Study Design: cross sectional study. Settings: Gastroenterology Department at Isra University Hospital, Hyderabad. Duration:   Six month from April 2017 to September 2017. Methodology: All the patients of hepatocellular Carcinoma caused by hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus with tumor size ≥3cm, of either gender were included. Ultrasound abdomen was done for diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Blood samples were collected to measure alpha-fetoprotein levels through Isra University Hospital Laboratory; in all those patients who were admitted to gastroenterology department at the time, of being enrolled to this study. Cirrhosis severity was evaluated by child pugh scoring. Relevant data was collected via proforma. Results: Total 160 patients were studied; their mean age was 52.7+5.3years. Males were found in majority as: 65.47%. HCV was a commonest infection 46%, after that HBV and HBV+HCV were found among 45% and 9% cases respectively. Majority of patients 73/ (43.45%) were found with size of tumor >7cm. (47.61%) cases had elevated serum Alpha fetoprotein more than 400 IU/ml. Old age people, hepatitis C virus and child Pugh group C were significantly associated with elevated Alpha fetoprotein respectively; P-value 0.001. There was no significant difference in Alpha fetoprotein levels according to gender; P-value 0.07. Conclusion: It was concluded that elevated level of serum Alpha fetoprotein is an invasive and reliable indicator of hepatocellular carcinoma.