ALBI Grade Liver Function Assessment for HCC
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The ALBI (Albumin-Bilirubin) grade is a novel method to assess liver function, specifically designed for patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). It offers a more nuanced and accurate reflection of liver impairment, crucial for treatment planning and prognosis evaluation.
Historical Background
The ALBI score was developed to provide a simple, objective, and reproducible method to assess liver function in patients with HCC. It emerged from the need for a more precise evaluation tool than the Child-Pugh score, which relies on subjective assessments like ascites and encephalopathy.
Calculation Formula
The ALBI score is calculated using the following formula:
\[ \text{ALBI Score} = (\log_{10} \text{Bilirubin} \times 0.66) + (\text{Albumin} \times -0.085) \]
where Bilirubin is in μmol/L and Albumin in g/L.
Example Calculation
For a patient with a bilirubin level of 17 μmol/L and an albumin level of 40 g/L:
\[ \text{ALBI Score} = (\log_{10} 17 \times 0.66) + (40 \times -0.085) \approx -2.53 \]
Importance and Usage Scenarios
The ALBI grade is crucial for assessing liver function in HCC patients to:
- Guide treatment decisions.
- Predict surgical outcomes.
- Evaluate eligibility for liver transplantation.
Common FAQs
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What distinguishes the ALBI grade from the Child-Pugh score?
- The ALBI grade relies solely on objective laboratory values, avoiding subjective assessments, thus providing a more standardized evaluation of liver function.
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How are ALBI grades categorized?
- ALBI scores are divided into three grades, with lower scores indicating better liver function and higher scores indicating more severe liver impairment.
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Can the ALBI score predict survival in HCC patients?
- Yes, the ALBI score has been shown to correlate with survival outcomes in patients with HCC, making it a valuable prognostic tool.
This calculator facilitates the calculation of the ALBI score, offering a valuable resource for healthcare professionals and researchers in the field of hepatology.