Abstract:
Objectives: To analyse the relation of demographics of hepatocellular carcinoma with the aetiology in order to analyse tumour characteristics in relation to anti-viral therapy and the presence of viral-deoxyribonucleic acid/ribonucleic acid, and the treatment modalities offered. Method: The cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Gastroenterology, Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from January 1 to December 31, 2019, and comprised patients aged 18-70 years with diagnosed hepatocellular carcinoma. Demographic variables, biochemical analysis, including liver profile and stage of cirrhosis, viral-status, tumour staging and the treatment modalities offered were noted. Results: Of the 195 patients, 148(76%) were males and 47(24%) were females. The overall mean age was 59.8±8.9 years. There were 187(96%) patients with cirrhosis, 183(94%) corresponded to viral hepatocellular carcinoma, 160(82%) had hepatitis C, 18(9%) had hepatitis B and 6(3%) had co-infection. Platelets and alanine transaminase had a significant relation across aetiological groups (p<0.05). The presence of viral polymerase chain reaction had a significant impact on tumour aggressiveness (p<0.05). And, 62(32%) patients were amenable to curative treatment. Conclusion: Viral infection was found to be the main cause of rising prevalence of hepatocellular carcinoma. Treatment modalities were found to be expensive, and expertise was lacking.
Page(s):
1849-1855
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: Journal of Pakistan Medical Association, Volume: 71, Issue: 7, Year: 2021
Keywords:
Hepatitis B
,
Hepatitis C
,
hepatocellular carcinoma
,
Liver transplant
,
Cirrhosis