Cu: Zn ratio in differential diagnosis between hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhotic patients

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study is to investigate the role of Cu Zn ratio in the differential diagnosis between patients with hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC] and cirrhotic patients. This study was carried out on 50 patients classified into four groups; Group I 10 healthy people, Group II 15 cirrhotic patients, Group III 15 cirrhotic patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and Group IV 10 patients with metastasis. Liver functions, kidney functions, Na, K, Cu, Zn, fibrinogen, alpha fetoprotein and complet blood picture were estimated. Cu Zn ratio was increased significantly in HCC group compared to other groups. The increase in Cu Zn ratio may be useful in differential diagnosis between HCC and cirrhotic patients, it also useful for follow up because it is a simple and inexpensive method: