Haemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte, and platelet (HALP) score is a useful predictor of prognosis after hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma: a retrospective, propensity score matching cohort study

Abstract

Background The haemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte, and platelet (HALP) score is an immune-nutritional assessment score that is a prognostic indicator for several malignant tumours. This study aimed to investigate its prognostic value in patients who underwent hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods The data of 685 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent hepatectomy at Kurume University between 2006 and 2021 were retrospectively analysed. The patients were classified into high and low HALP score groups based on a cut-off HALP score determined using a receiver operating characteristic curve. To minimise bias, 1:1 propensity score matching was performed. Kaplan–Meier curves were used to estimate survival time, and data were evaluated using the log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using Cox hazard or logistic regression models for assessing survival time and postoperative outcomes, respectively. Results Low HALP scores were significantly associated with poor overall survival (P = 0.0061). Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that HALP score independently predicted overall survival (P = 0.005). However, the HALP score was not significantly related to recurrence-free survival or postoperative outcomes. Conclusions The HALP score is a simple, inexpensive tool for predicting prognosis after hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma.