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Combined estimation of serum alpha-fetoprotein and des-gamacarboxy prothrombin improves the diagnostic efficacy for hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotic and chronic hepatitis Saudi patients

Amina Mohammed Elgharieb Elnoury, Hoda Gad Mohamed Gad, Enayat Mohamed Hashem Ali, Majid Mohammed Alghamdi

This study aimed to evaluate the predictability of serum Des-- carboxyprothrombin (DCP) in cirrhotic and chronic hepatitisC (CHC) Saudi patients for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in comparison to alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). The study included 80 patients (30 with CHC, 30with compensated liver cirrhosis and 20withHCC) and 10 controls. PatientswithCHC and cirrhosiswere followed up for development ofHCC. Serum levels ofAFP and DCP were estimated for all patients and controls. The results showed that mean serum levels of AFP and DCP were significantly elevated in HCC patients compared to CHC and cirrhosis groups. Throughout follow-up period, 4 (13.3%) cirrhotic patients developed HCC. ROC curve analysis showed that serum DCP was significantly more specific predictor for HCC thanAFP. SerumDCP andAFP levels at 38mAU/ml and 16g/ml were defined as specific cutoff point for prediction of HCC with specificity rate of 88.7%and 73.6%, accuracy rate of 86.7%and 70%, and sensitivity rate of 71.4%and 42.9%, respectively.