APRI score non-invasive marker of metabolic syndrome in breast carcinoma patients

Abstract

BackgroundBreast carcinoma is one of the commonest cancer in women accounting for major health burden worldwide. Metabolic syndrome is a known risk factor of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) as well as breast carcinoma. APRI (Aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index), a known non-invasive marker of liver fibrosis and steatohepatitis has never been studied in patients of metabolic syndrome with breast carcinoma. Breast carcinoma has various modifiable risk factors such as obesity and alcohol consumption. Hence, we compared APRI score in patients with breast carcinoma in order to establish a possible correlation. Aims and ObjectivesOur primary objective was to study APRI (Aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index) score in patients of breast carcinoma with and without metabolic syndrome. The secondary objective was to study APRI score in post-menopausal women with breast carcinoma. Material and MethodThis prospective observational study included 151 patients of breast carcinoma, these patients were sub grouped into two, with and without metabolic syndrome and pre and post-menopausal women. Multiple demographic and biochemical parameters including APRI score were studied in these groups. The sensitivity and specificity of APRI score was calculated in these groups. ResultsA total of 151 patients of breast carcinoma were included in the study group.53.64% patients with breast carcinoma had metabolic syndrome. The mean values of AST (Aspartate aminotransferase), BMI (Body mass index), FBS (Fasting blood sugar) and APRI score were significantly higher in the patients with metabolic syndrome. More than 50% patients of breast carcinoma belonged to the post-menopausal age group. Mean values of AST (aspartate aminotransferase), BMI (body mass index), FBS (fasting blood sugar) and APRI were higher in this group. The area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve of APRI score of metabolic syndrome patients was 0.93 and that of post-menopausal women was 0.82. ConclusionAPRI score can be used as a surrogate marker of metabolic syndrome in patients with breast carcinoma. It is also useful in planning preventive strategies in patients with breast carcinoma especially in post-menopausal age group.