ALB and hepatocellular carcinoma: On univariate analysis, old age (≧50 years old), initial presence of cirrhosis, high viral load of serum HCV RNA (>6 log titer of HCV RNA IU/mL), low platelet count (<130,000/mm3), and low serum albumin level (<3.0 g/dL) were significant risk factors associated with the development of HCC.