Alpha-Fetoprotein in liver disease
Alexander, M.G.; Purves, L.R.; Kirsch, R.E.; Bass, N.M.; Gitlin, N.; Terblanche, J.; Saunders, S.J.
South African Medical Journal 53(12): 433-436
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0256-9574 PMID: 79225 Document Number: 131909
Ther serum concentration of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was measured by radio-immunoassay in 98 patients with liver disease including hepatoma, chronic active hepatitis, alcoholic cirrhosis, and acute virus B hepatitis. Raised AFP levels, above 30 ng/ml, were found in 87% of patients with acute viral hepatitis, in 82% of patients with primary liver cell carcinoma, in 58% with chronic active hepatitis and in 14% of patients with alcoholic cirrhosis. However, levels above 1 000 ng/ml were found only in patients with hepatoma and in acute viral hepatitis.