Alfa-feto protein in liver disorders in Indians

Abstract

A total of 150 cases of liver disorders were screened for AFP by Ouchterlony double diffusion technique using monospecific anti-AFP serum. AFP was detected in 45% cases of hepatoma, 37.5% cases of Indian childhood cirrhosis and one case each of viral hepatitis, adult cirrhosis and secondary deposits in liver. Presence of AFP could not be correlated to the histopathologic appearance of tumor, age and sex of the patient or liver function tests either in hepatoma or in Indian childhood cirrhosis. AFP produced in various disorders appeared to be antigenically identical.