Predictors of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis

Background and aim: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most important health problem, with an increasing incidence worldwide. The aim of the present study was to determine the factors that predict HCC occurrence in a group of patients with liver cirrhosis developed on various etiologies.
Material and Methods: A total of 282 consecutive patients with liver cirrhosis seen between January 1, 2013 and July 31, 2014 were enrolled in a prospective study. Data from patient’s history, physical exams, laboratory tests and abdominal ultrasound were collected.
Results: 282 patients were included in the study with a median age of 59.6 and a male/female ratio of 1.38/1; 12.41% (35) were diagnosed with HCC. Alcohol consumption was documented in 19 cases (54.28%), without statistical association (p=0.621), and 7 (20%) were smokers (p=0.403). According to etiological factors of liver cirrhosis: 7 (20%) had background B virus infection, 15 (42.85%) HCV infection and 11 (31.42%) cases incriminated other causes of cirrhosis (alcohol). Chi2 test identified a statistically significant association between the occurrence of HCC and viral etiology of cirrhosis (p = 0.001, r = 18,830). No statistical association was found between Child Pugh scoring of cirrhosis and HCC (p=0.774) and a statistically significant association but inversely proportional was identified between neoplasia and obesity (p=0.008, r= -0.157).
Conlusion: In conclusion the viral etiology of liver cirrhosis is found to be an important risk factor for HCC, and liver cancer was inversely associated with nutritional status.