Utility of combining PIVKA-II and AFP in the surveillance and monitoring of hepatocellular carcinoma in the Asia-Pacific region.

Even though the combined use of ultrasound (US) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is recommended for the surveillance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the utilization of AFP has its challenges, including accuracy dependent on its cut-off levels, degree of liver necroinflammation, and etiology of liver disease. Though various studies have demonstrated the utility of protein induced by vitamin K absence II (PIVKA-II) in surveillance, treatment monitoring, and predicting recurrence, it is still not recommended as a routine biomarker test. A panel of 17 experts from Asia-Pacific, gathered to discuss and reach a consensus on the clinical usefulness and value of PIVKA-II for the surveillance and treatment monitoring of HCC, based on six predetermined statements. The experts agreed that PIVKA-II was valuable in the detection of HCC in AFP-negative patients, and could potentially benefit detection of early HCC in combination with AFP. PIVKA-II is clinically useful for monitoring curative and intra-arterial locoregional treatments, outcomes, and recurrence, and could potentially predict microvascular invasion risk and facilitate patient selection for liver transplant. However, combining PIVKA-II with US and AFP for HCC surveillance, including small HCC, still requires more evidence, whilst its role in detecting AFP-negative HCC will potentially increase as more patients are treated for hepatitis-related HCC. PIVKA-II in combination with AFP and US has a clinical role in the Asia-Pacific region for surveillance. However, implementation of PIVKA-II in the region will have some challenges, such as requiring standardization of cut-off values, its cost-effectiveness and improving awareness among healthcare providers.

Determining the predictive equation for height from ulnar length in the Vietnamese population.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Height is an essential measurement in clinical medicine. It allows the calculation of body mass index, ideal body weight, basic energy requirements and tidal volumes. In many patient groups, such as the critically ill, height cannot be measured easily and surrogate anthropometric measures are used. Regression equations estimating height are specific to ethnicity. We aimed to develop the regression equation for Vietnamese men and women to predict height from ulna length and so improve prescription of life-saving treatment in the intensive care units. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey of patients and relatives at the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases was undertaken. Ulna length, standing height and weight were measured. The first two thirds of participants' data, stratified by sex and age, were allocated to a model training group, the subsequent participants entered the validation group. Linear regression equations were calculated for the model group by sex, then applied to the validation group and assessed for precision. Other international equations were also compared. RESULTS: 498 males and 496 females were recruited. There was good correlation between ulna length and height in those aged 21-64, r=0.66, p<0.001 in males and females. The regression equations were: male: height = 85.61 + (3.16 x ulna length), female: height = 85.80 + (2.97 x ulna length). Equations from other populations were less accurate. CONCLUSIONS: The regression equations calculated for men and women aged 21-64 showed good correlation and can be used to predict height in those where direct measurement is impossible.