Prognostic value of postoperative change in liver stiffness in patients with HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Abstract Objective To investigate the prognostic value of change in liver stiffness following surgery, in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods Patients with HBV-related HCC were included. Preoperative (baseline) liver stiffness and postoperative dynamic change in liver stiffness was evaluated. Results Out of 158 patients in total, postoperative liver stiffness was increased in 98 patients and decreased in 60 patients compared with baseline values. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that patients with elevated liver stiffness had significantly worse overall survival outcomes than those with decreased liver stiffness. Similar trends were observed for diseases-free survival and recurrence outcomes. Multivariate analyses showed that Child–Turcotte–Pugh score (hazard ratio [HR] 1.209) and liver stiffness changes (HR 1.891) were independent factors associated with overall survival. Liver stiffness changes (HR 1.521) and α-fetoprotein level (HR 1.210) were found to be independent factors for disease-free survival in patients with HCC. Conclusion Increased postoperative liver stiffness may be an independent risk factor of HCC prognosis. Patients with increased liver stiffness following surgery should undergo additional examinations during follow-up.