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Digestive Diseases and Sciences
Published in: Digestive Diseases and Sciences 6/2013

01-06-2013 | Original Article

Thrombocytosis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Authors: Brian I. Carr, Vito Guerra

Published in: Digestive Diseases and Sciences | Issue 6/2013

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Abstract

Background

Thrombocytopenia has been reported to be both a risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development as well as a prognostic factor. Many HCCs also occur in presence of normal platelets.

Aim

To examine a cohort of HCC patients with associated thrombocytosis.

Methods

Records were examined of a cohort of 634 biopsy-proven and randomly presenting HCC patients without thrombocytopenia.

Results

In the total cohort, 52 patients were identified with thrombocytosis (platelet levels >400 × 109/L) and compared with 582 patients with normal platelet values. The average tumor sizes were 13.1 versus 8.8 cm (p < 0.0001), and their total average bilirubin levels were 0.9 versus 1.5 (p = 0.02), comparing thrombocytosis patients versus normal platelet count HCC patients. These differences were even more pronounced in patients with HCC sizes >5 cm. Thrombocytosis patients were younger and had less cirrhosis, but similar percent with hepatitis B or C or alcohol consumption.

Conclusion

Thrombocytosis in association with HCC occurs in patients with larger tumor sizes and better liver function.
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Metadata
Title
Thrombocytosis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors
Brian I. Carr
Vito Guerra
Publication date
01-06-2013
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Digestive Diseases and Sciences / Issue 6/2013
Print ISSN: 0163-2116
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2568
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-012-2527-3

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