Prognostic value of serum alpha-1-antitrypsin in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Abstract To evaluate serum alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1AT) as a prognostic factor in hepatocellular carcinoma, we studied 75 consecutive patients (60 male, 15 female, mean age ± SD 63.0 ± 9.3 years) in whom hepatocellular carcinoma developed with pre-existing cirrhosis. Median survival time was 245 days (range 4–1568+). 30 patients had serum A1AT concentration of ⩽2.20 g/1 (Group A) while 45 (Group B) had alpha-1-antitrypsin > 2.20 g/1. Median survival was 518 days in Group A and 81 days in Group B (Mantel-Cox 20.95, P