THE DIAGNOSTIC VALUE OF SERUM ALPHAFETOPROTEIN FOR HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC LIVER DISEASE

Background: This study aims to determine the value of using Alpha Fetoprotein for early detection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma among patients with chronic liver disease in African population. Methods: 50 patients with clinical and radiological evidence of Chronic Liver disease attending the gastroenterology clinic of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital and 50 healthy volunteers were recruited by systematic sampling over 3 months. The patients were grouped according to their definitive diagnosis into: Hepatocellular carcinoma, Hepatitis B and C co-infection, Hepatitis B infection, Hepatitis C infection, Liver cirrhosis and unclassified/Miscellaneous. Alpha fetoprotein was assayed using an Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay. Results: Hepatocellular carcinoma accounted for 22% of the study group, while Hepatitis B and C co-infection 16%, Hepatitis B infection 12%, Hepatitis C infection 6%, Liver cirrhosis 34% and Miscellaneous group 10%. The validity of Alpha Fetoprotein for Hepatocellular Carcinoma at a cut-off value of >200IU/L were: Sensitivity- 73%, specificity-100% and predictive value positive-100% respectively. Conclusion: AFP is useful for early detection of HCC in CLD patients’ of African descent.