Table 3.
Development of the R3-AFP score. Points assigned from the multivariable competing-risk regression analysis in the test cohort.
| Variable | Adjusted SHR (95% CI) | p value | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of nodules | |||
| 1–3 nodules (n = 1,005) | 0 | ||
| ≥4 nodules (n = 354) | 1.88 (1.34–2.64) | <0.0001 | 1 |
| Major nodule diameter | |||
| ≤3 cm (n = 849) | 0 | ||
| 3–6 cm (n = 361) | 1.83 (1.29–2.59) | 0.001 | 1 |
| >6 cm (n = 54) | 5.82 (2.97–8.20) | <0.0001 | 5 |
| Microvascular invasion | |||
| Absence (n = 990) | 0 | ||
| Presence (n = 369) | 2.69 (1.93–3.75) | <0.0001 | 2 |
| Nuclear grade >II | |||
| Absence (n = 1,003) | 0 | ||
| Presence (n = 173) | 1.20 (1.01–1.43) | 0.048 | 1 |
| AFP (ng/ml)∗ | |||
| ≤100 (n = 1,191) | 0 | ||
| 101–1,000 (n = 136) | 1.57 (1.03–2.39) | 0.035 | 1 |
| >1,000 (n = 27) | 2.83 (1.01–7.96) | 0.049 | 2 |
Scoring model was done by dividing each SHR with the lowest SHR observed, rounding SHR estimates to construct a continuous score (total of 11 points). Median 1 point (IQR 0–3); SHR 1.48 (95% CI 1.40–1.56).
AFP, alpha-foetoprotein; LT, liver transplantation; R3, recurrence risk reassessment; SHR, sub-distribution of hazard ratio.
∗
Last available AFP values before LT. Median time from last AFP values to transplantation was 2.2 months (IQR 0.9–4.0 months).