Diagnostic Value of Serum Beta 2 Microglobulin in Cirrhotic Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Mohammed, Ayman Fathy Elsayed; Gomaa, Ahmed Fathy; Morsy, Ahmed Samy Ahmed; Esawy, Marwa Mohammed; Gad, Said Abdelbaky

doi:10.21608/zumj.2025.401840.4042

Diagnostic Value of Serum Beta 2 Microglobulin in Cirrhotic Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine - Zagazig University

² Professor of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine - Zagazig University

³ MBBCH, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University

⁴ Assistant Professor of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine - Zagazig University

10.21608/zumj.2025.401840.4042

Abstract

Background: Early and accurate diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in cirrhotic patients remains challenging, particularly in high-risk populations. Serum beta-2 microglobulin (β2M) has emerged as a potential biomarker for disease severity. The present study aimed for evaluation of the diagnostic role of serum β2M in differentiation between cirrhosis HCC, and to assess its performance in combination with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP).

Methods: This case-control study was performed on 84 patients categorized into two groups: cirrhosis without HCC (n=42) cirrhosis with HCC (n=42). Diagnosis was confirmed by radiological and laboratory findings. Serum β2M was assessed utilizing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and AFP by chemiluminescent immunoassay. Clinical, laboratory, and imaging data were collected and analyzed.

Results: β2-microglobulin (β2M) was significantly correlated with markers of advanced liver and kidney dysfunction in both groups. In cirrhosis patients without HCC, β2M correlated negatively with platelets and albumin, and positively with AST, total bilirubin, INR, BUN, and creatinine. In HCC with cirrhosis, β2M showed negative correlations with hemoglobin, platelets, AST, ALT, and albumin, and positive correlations with WBCs, bilirubin, and INR.

Conclusion: Serum beta-2 microglobulin was significantly higher among cirrhotic patients, with the highest levels observed among patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Its increase correlated with disease severity progression. Combined with AFP, β2M may enhance diagnostic accuracy for HCC; however, its utility is primarily as an adjunct marker reflecting disease severity overall progression rather than as a standalone diagnostic test. Its use should be interpreted within the broader clinical laboratory context to support earlier detection surveillance in high-risk patients.

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