Abstract:
Objective To investigate the correlation between FIB-4 and the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after curative resection.
Methods From January 2009 to December 2012, the clinicopathological and follow-up data of 245 patients with HCC after curative resection were retrospectively studied. Their survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. The Cox proportional hazard regression model was used for the multivariate analysis.
Results According to FIB-4 index, patients were divided into two subgroups: FIB-4Ⅰ(≤3.25) and FIB-4Ⅱ( > 3.25). FIB-4 could predict liver cirrhosis severity (Ishak grade, Grade 1-5 vs. Grad 6, r=0.681, P < 0.001). It was associated with liver function such as:aspartate transaminase (P < 0.001)、total bilirubin (P=0.009)、albumin (P=0.001) and platelet count (P < 0.001) other than tumor clinicopathologic features. Both univariate and multivariate analysis showed FIB-4 could predict the prognosis of HCC patients (Overall survival: P=0.037 and 0.011; Recurrencefree survival: P=0.027 and P=0.043, respectively).
Conclusion The preoperative FIB-4 index could be used as a prognostic marker for the prognosis of HCC after curative hepatectomy.