Evaluation of hepatic function

Abstract

In the natural course of liver cirrhosis, a very strong correlation with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been observed regardless of its etiology. Although cirrhosis can be controlled very well, HCC may still occur in the later stages, and it appears that the overall incidence of HCC is increasing. It is clinically interesting to note at which stage in cirrhosis HCC occurs, and moreover, how liver function correlates to the various stages of cirrhosis and HCC [1]. To this end, the incidence of HCC in association with cirrhosis cases treated by this department during the past 14 years was studied. The liver function test results of fatal cases were compared with liver cirrhosis cases with HCC and without HCC at one month, one year, and two years prior to death.