Incidence and risk factors for hypoglycemia in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract AimTo evaluate the incidence and risk factors for hypoglycemia in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsWe collected and analyzed the clinical data of patients with HCC in our cancer center between April 2020 and June 2021. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the risk factors associated with hypoglycemia.ResultsThe incidence rate of hypoglycemia in patients with HCC was 28.9% (67/232). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed a significant association between hypoglycemia and Child-Pugh grade C (odds ratio [OR]=7.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.28–23.31, p=0.001), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level (OR=1.000035, 95% CI 1.000007–1.000063, p=0.015), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level (OR=0.46, 95% CI 0.29–0.73, p=0.001).ConclusionChild-Pugh stage and HbA1c and AFP levels were associated with hypoglycemia in patients with HCC. Our study suggests that these three factors should be comprehensively considered when estimating the risk of hypoglycemia in these patients, and the diagnosis, treatment, and nursing plan should be adjusted in time to reduce the incidence of hypoglycemia.