Clinical Significance of Fibrosis 4 Index in Early-stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients Received Ultrasound-guided Microwave Ablation

Recurrence is of utmost importance for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after ultrasound-guided microwave ablation (UGMWA) therapy. The fibrosis 4 (FIB-4) index is a valuable predictor of HCC recurrence after surgical resection. However, whether FIB-4 can predict the recurrence of HCC patients receiving UGMWA remains unclear. The FIB-4 index was detected in healthy controls, hepatitis patients, and HCC patients. The predictive value of FIB-4 in HCC occurrence and recurrence following UGMWA therapy was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic analysis. The associated factors of FIB-4 in HCC patients were compared between patients with high and low levels of FIB-4. A Kaplan-Meier plot was used to assess the impact of FIB-4 on overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). FIB-4 levels were increased in HCC patients and could predict the occurrence of HCC. Meanwhile, it was associated with five factors, including recurrence. Furthermore, FIB-4 levels decreased in HCC patients after UGMWA therapy but increased in recurrent HCC patients following UGMWA therapy. Importantly, FIB-4 could predict recurrence after UGMWA. The HCC patients had shorter OS and RFS. FIB-4 was associated with HCC recurrence after UGMWA therapy. Specifically, it had a predictive value for HCC occurrence and recurrence following UGMWA therapy.