Predictive value of protein induced by absence of vitamin K absence or antagonist II, alpha-fetoprotein and gamma-glutamyltransferase/aspartate aminotransferase ratio for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma in transplantation candidates

Objectives Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist-II (PIVKA-II) are used as tumour markers for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We investigate whether combined liver function marker such as gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and PIVKA-II increase their diagnostic predictive value in diagnosis of HCC. Methods The serum levels of PIVKA-II, AFP and GGT/AST ratio were analysed in 112 transplant candidates. Of these patients, 66 (59%) had HCC and 46 (41%) patients did not. Results Histological grade was positively correlated with serum levels of PIVKA-II and AFP (r = 0.255, P 
Source: European Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology - Category: Gastroenterology Tags: Original Articles: Hepatology Source Type: research