Predictive Value of the Age-Adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index for Outcomes After Hepatic Resection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (ACCI) on outcomes after hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods We assessed 763 patients who underwent hepatic resection for HCC. The ACCI scores were categorized as follows: ACCI <= 5, ACCI = 6, and ACCI >= 7. Results A multivariate analysis showed that the odds ratios for postoperative complications in ACCI = 6 and ACCI >= 7 groups, with reference to ACCI <= 5 group, were 0.71 (p = 0.41) and 4.15 (p < 0.001), respectively. The hazard ratios for overall survival of ACCI = 6 and ACCI >= 7 groups, with reference to ACCI <= 5 group, were 1.52 (p = 0.023) and 2.45 (p < 0.001), respectively. The distribution of deaths due to HCC-related, liver-related, and other causes was 68.2%, 11.8%, and 20% in ACCI <= 5 group, 47.2%, 13.9%, and 38.9% in ACCI = 6 group, and 27.3%, 9.1%, and 63.6% in ACCI >= 7 group (p = 0.053; ACCI <= 5 vs. = 6,p = 0.19; ACCI = 6 vs. >= 7,p < 0.001; ACCI <= 5 vs. >= 7). In terms of the treatment for HCC recurrence in ACCI <= 5, ACCI = 6, and ACCI >= 7 groups, adaptation rate of surgical resection was 20.1%, 7.3%, and 11.1% and the rate of palliative therapy was 4.3%, 12.2%, and 22.2%, respectively. Conclusions The ACCI predicted the short-term and long-term outcomes after hepatic resection of HCC. These findings will help physicians establish a treatment strategy for HCC patients with comorbidities.