Abstract
BackgroundPrealbumin is a sensitive indicator of liver function and nutritional status.ObjectivesThis meta-analysis aimed to examine the association of the serum prealbumin level with the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing hepatectomy.MethodsWe comprehensively searched the PubMed, Embase, Wanfang, China Academic Journals (CNKI), and SinoMed databases up to September 1, 2021. Eligible studies should report the association of the serum prealbumin level with prognosis and provide the multivariable-adjusted risk estimates of the outcomes of interest in HCC patients undergoing hepatectomy.ResultsA total of 11 studies with 7,442 HCC patients were identified and analyzed. Meta-analysis of a fixed effects model showed that a low serum prealbumin level was associated with poor overall survival [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.42–1.68], recurrence-free survival (HR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.17–1.52), and a higher risk of postoperative hepatic insufficiency (HR = 2.21; 95% CI = 1.36–3.60) in HCC patients. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses confirmed the robustness of low serum prealbumin in predicting poor overall survival.ConclusionsThis meta-analysis indicated that a low preoperative serum prealbumin level was significantly associated with adverse prognosis in HCC patients undergoing hepatectomy.
Highlights
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the principal type of primary liver cancer in adults and accounts for approximately 90% of liver malignancy [1]
The inclusion criteria were as follows: 1) population: patients with HCC undergoing hepatectomy; 2) exposure: serum prealbumin level before surgery; 3) comparison: patients with a lower prealbumin level versus those with a higher prealbumin level; outcome measures: overall survival, recurrence-free survival, and postoperative hepatic insufficiency; 5) study design: prospective or retrospective cohort studies; and 6) reported multivariable adjusted risk summary for the outcomes of interest according to the prealbumin category
The current meta-analysis suggested that a low preoperative serum prealbumin level was independently associated with poor overall survival (OS) and RFS, as well as increased risk of postoperative hepatic insufficiency, in HCC patients undergoing hepatectomy
Summary
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the principal type of primary liver cancer in adults and accounts for approximately 90% of liver malignancy [1]. Despite the advances in treatment approaches for HCC, it remains the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality because of its distant metastasis and tumor recurrence [2]. The 5-year survival of HCC is about 10%–20% [3, 4]. Hepatectomy is the main treatment for HCC [5]. Only one-third of patients with early-stage HCC could receive surgical resection. Prealbumin and HCC Prognosis or liver transplantation due to advanced stage of disease or cirrhosis-related hepatic insufficiency. The prognostic assessment of HCC patients before surgery is an unmet demand. Prealbumin is a sensitive indicator of liver function and nutritional status
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
