Clinical implications of alpha-fetoprotein in chronic hepatitis C

Wei Chen Tai, Tsung Hui Hu, Jing Houng Wang, Chao Hung Hung, Sheng Nan Lu, Chi Shin Changchien, Chuan Mo Lee*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

35 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background/Purpose: Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) shows a significant association with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is important in the diagnosis of HCC, but elevated AFP levels have also been observed in CHC without HCC. We evaluated the clinical correlation between elevated AFP levels and CHC. Methods: From April 1999 to November 2004, 654 CHC patients with no evidence of HCC from imaging studies were collected by chart review. Results: The prevalence of elevated AFP levels (≥15 ng/mL) was 23.9%. Univariate analysis revealed that age, histological activity index (HAI) fibrosis score of 3/4, HAI inflammation score ≥7, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels, AST/ALT ratio, and total bilirubin level were associated with elevated AFP levels. Multivariate analysis revealed that age (≥55 vs. <55 years), HAI inflammation score (≥ 7 vs. <7), ALT (> 150 vs. ≤ 150 U/L), and platelet count (≤ 150 × 109 vs. > 150 × 109 cells/L) were associated with elevated AFP levels. Multivariate analysis also revealed that hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1b, platelet count ≤ 150 × 109 cells/ L, AST > 80 U/L and AFP ≥ 6 ng/mL were associated with advanced fibrosis. Using a cut-off AFP level of ≥ 6.0 ng/mL, the sensitivity and specificity of diagnosing fibrosis score 3/4 was 74.3% and 68.4%, respectively. Using a cut-off AFP level of ≥ 15.0 ng/mL, the sensitivity and specificity of diagnosing fibrosis score 3/4 was 35.7% and 91.1%, respectively. Conclusion: Elevated AFP levels were observed in 23.9% of patients with CHC. Elevated AFP levels correlated positively with age, HAI inflammation score, ALT elevation, and thrombocytopenia. In addition, HCV genotype 1b, thrombocytopenia, AST elevation, and AFP level ≥ 6 ng/mL were associated with advanced fibrosis.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)210-218
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of the Formosan Medical Association
Volume108
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 03 2009
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Alpha-fetoprotein
  • Chronic hepatitis C
  • Hepatocellular carcinoma
  • Histological activity index score
  • Liver cirrhosis

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Clinical implications of alpha-fetoprotein in chronic hepatitis C'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this