A Scoring Model Based on Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio Predicts Recurrence of HBV-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Liver Transplantation
Author Information
Author(s): Wang Guo-Ying, Yang Yang, Li Hua, Zhang Jian, Jiang Nan, Li Min-Ru, Zhu Huan-Bing, Zhang Qi, Chen Gui-Hua
Primary Institution: Liver Transplantation Center, Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
Hypothesis
The study aims to determine the optimal cut-off value for preoperative neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in predicting recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after liver transplantation.
Conclusion
Preoperative elevated NLR significantly increases the risk of recurrence in patients who underwent liver transplantation for HCC.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients with high NLR had significantly worse disease-free survival compared to those with normal NLR.
- The 5-year disease-free survival for patients with normal NLR was 64.9% compared to 28.5% for those with elevated NLR.
- Macrovascular invasion, tumor number, and high NLR were identified as independent prognostic factors.
Takeaway
Doctors can use a simple blood test to check the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio to help decide if a patient is likely to have cancer come back after a liver transplant.
Methodology
The study analyzed the outcomes of 101 HBV-associated HCC patients undergoing liver transplantation, evaluating preoperative risk factors for tumor recurrence using univariate and multivariate analyses.
Potential Biases
The study may be biased as all patients had a history of hepatitis B, which is a specific risk factor for HCC.
Limitations
The study is limited by its retrospective nature and the relatively small number of patients included.
Participant Demographics
92 men (91.1%) and 9 women (8.9%), mean age 48.4 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 0.557–0.777
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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