Diagnostic Value of Serum Alpha-L-Fucosidase in Detecting Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Cirrhotic Patient

Background: Tumour markers are pivotal tools for the early diagnosis of tumours. Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP) is a major marker widely used for the detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, AFP shows poor sensitivity and specificity in the early stages of HCC. Moreover AFP levels are not elevated in some HCC patients, while they are elevated in other patients with benign liver disease. New biomarkers are urgently needed for specific early diagnosis of HCC patients. Alpha- L- Fucosidase (AFU), a lysosomal enzyme present in all mammalian cells, has been proposed as a tumour marker since many studies reported increased AFU serum levels in patients with cirrhosis with HCC patients. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of AFU in detecting of HCC. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Hepatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka during the period from December 2019 to August 2020. Thirty three HCC patients with cirrhosis and 33 patients with liver cirrhosis were included. All HCC patients underwent FNA for cytopathological examination. Serum AFU levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method and compared. Data were processed and analyzed with the help of computer program SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) 25 version. Quantitative data were analyzed by mean and standard deviation; and comparison was done between two groups by unpaired t test or Mann-Whitney U test. Qualitative data were analyzed by frequency and percentage; and comparison was done between two groups by Chi- Square (χ2) test or Fisher' s Exact Test. A statistically significant result has been considered when p value less than 0.05. Results: The study revealed significant differences in serum Alpha-L-Fucosidase (AFU) and Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) levels between hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cirrhosis groups. The median AFU levels were significantly ...