C-reactive protein and platelet–lymphocyte ratio as diagnostic biomarkers for hepatitis C-related hepatocellular carcinoma

Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is the most common type of liver cancer. Recent studies have shown that alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) has poor sensitivity and specificity for precise monitoring and diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to check if C-reactive protein (CRP) and platelet–lymphocyte ratio (PLR) could be used as markers to detect HCC in Egyptian patients. Patients and methods Ninety adult cirrhotic patients were sequentially recruited for this cross-sectional investigation. Group I (HCC patients with AFP<20 ng/ml), group II (30 HCC patients with AFP ≥20 ng/ml), and group III (30 cirrhotic patients without HCC) comprised the three groups. The PLR, CRP, and AFP levels were checked. Results The HCC group with high AFP showed much higher levels of AFP, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and CRP. CRP levels differed significantly as well, with HCC with elevated AFP showing the greatest amounts. The data demonstrates significant differences in both PLR and CRP levels when comparing various stages of Barcelona clinic liver cancer, with an emphasis on the higher levels in more advanced stages (B and C). PLR had an 80% specificity and combined PLR and CRP had a 93.3% sensitivity. CRP also showed strong diagnostic abilities with high sensitivity and specificity in HCC with AFP more than or equal to 20. When PLR and CRP were coupled, the diagnostic performance was considerably enhanced, but the accuracy of PLR alone was only modest. Conclusion Greater CRP, combined PLR and CRP, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were thought to be a good indication for HCC with high and low AFP on top of liver cancer PLR.