Alpha-fetoprotein and des-gamma-carboxy-prothrombin at twenty-four weeks after interferon-based therapy predict hepatocellular carcinoma development

Table 2 Risk factors for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in hepatitis C virus-related liver cirrhosis patients treated with interferon and ribavirin

	Non HCC (n = 181)	HCC (n = 50)	P-value
IFN treatment duration (wk)	43.1 ± 21.5	44.1 ± 22.5	NS
Sustained virological response	63 (34.8%)	12 (24%)	NS
Albumin levels at the end of IFN treatment (g/dL)	3.7 ± 0.6	3.7 ± 0.6	NS
Prothrombin levels at the end of IFN treatment (%)	86.0 ± 21.5	83.5 ± 11.1	NS
AFP levels at the end of IFN treatment (ng/mL)	15.5 ± 34.9	42.8 ± 96.0	0.009
DCP levels at the end of IFN treatment (mAU/mL)	25.6 ± 47.2	255.6 ± 863.2	0.017
Albumin levels at 24 wk after IFN treatment (g/dL)	4.0 ± 0.5	3.7 ± 0.5	0.004
Prothrombin levels at 24 wk after IFN treatment (%)	87.8 ± 17.9	86.6 ± 14.2	NS
AFP levels at 24 wk after IFN treatment (ng/mL)	11.5 ± 15.8	63.2 ± 193.2	0.002
DCP levels at 24 wk after IFN treatment (mAU/mL)	18.4 ± 12.7	354.0 ± 1887.5	NS

Data are expressed as number (%) or mean ± SD. HCC: Hepatocellular carcinoma; IFN: Interferon; NS: Not significant; AFP: Alpha-fetoprotein; DCP: Des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin.