Serum level of hepcidin in cirrhotic patients as a marker for hepatocellular carcinoma

Egyptian Liver Journal

Table 6 Comparison of the TIBC and serum iron levels among the three study involved groups

	Cirrhosis (n = 30)	HCC (n = 30)	Control (n = 30)	F	p
TIBC (μg/dL)
Min.–max.	184.0–298.0	182.0–342.0	219.0–384.0	39.495*	< 0.001*
Mean ± SD	233.9 ± 30.05	241.5 ± 42.48	316.5 ± 45.17
Median (IQR)	234.0 (212.0–258.0)	234.0 (214.0–281.0)	320.0 (283.0–356.0)
Sig. bet. grps.	p₁ = 0.739, p₂ < 0.001, p₃ < 0.001
Serum iron (μg/dL)
Min.–max.	42.0–132.0	48.0–134.0	58.0–192.0	1.279	0.284
Mean ± SD	87.0 ± 24.71	93.93 ± 28.17	97.93 ± 26.44
Median (IQR)	87.0 (63.0–112.0)	92.0 (73.0–121.0)	95.0 (79.0–116.0)

IQR interquartile range. SD standard deviation. F Fisher’s test exact correction, used to correct the chi-square statistic when 20% or more of the cells have a count of less than 5. μg/dL, micrograms per deciliter. p p-value to compare the three study involved groups. p₁ p-value to compare group I and group II. p₂ p-value to compare group I and group III. p₃ p-value to compare group II and group III. *Statistical significance at p ≤ 0.05. Group I, individuals diagnosed with cirrhosis but no HCC. Group II, cirrhotic individuals with HCC. Group III, healthy controls