The detection of alpha 1-fetoprotein in patients with viral hepatitis.

Abstract

Alpha fetoprotein (AFP) was detected in sera (351 samples) of 128 patients with viral hepatitis by radioimmunoassay. 77 positive tests for AFP were obtained. These positive results were demonstrated on 1 or more samples taken from 40 (31%) of the 128 patients studied; the highest value obtained was 4400 ng/ml. Hepatitis B antigen (HBAg) was positive in 26/40 (65%) of patients in whom AFP was detected during the disease process. However, 58/88 (66%) who were seronegative for AFP also demonstrated HBAg in their sera. Chi-square analysis revealed no significant difference in occurrence of detectable AFP between HBAg seropositive and seronegative patients. Individuals seropositive for AFP had no statistically different concentration of the protein than patients seropositive or seronegative for HBAg. 24 patients' sera were tested serially over a 2-week period. Both the peak glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT) and peak total bilirubin levels were in a higher range in those 10/24 patients seropositive (P .001) for AFP than in the 14/24 who were seronegative. Appearance of AFP was related to the severity of liver tissue destruction, as reflected by serum GPT. However, peak AFP levels were attained 5-16 days after peak serum GPT appeared in the circulation.