Elevated alpha-fetoprotein in asymptomatic adults: Clinical features, outcome, and association with body composition.

Abstract

Background and aimApparently healthy individuals with elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels (>7 ng/mL) for unknown causes visit clinics. We investigated their clinical characteristics, outcomes, and relationship with body fat deposition and muscle mass.MethodsThe case group included asymptomatic 137 individuals with "elevated AFP level" (R772) diagnostic code from 2009 to 2018 in a tertiary hospital. The control group enrolled 274 age- and sex-matched patients with ResultsThe case group (mean age 47.5 years, male 35.8%) showed higher AFP levels (10.3 vs 2.5 ng/mL, pConclusionElevated AFP levels in asymptomatic individuals may play a role in expressing a protective phenotype against hepatic steatosis, myosteatosis, and sarcopenia. AFP levels in patients with elevated AFP were stable during follow-up without liver injury or cancer development. Interaction between AFP expression and steatosis warrants further study.