ALB and carcinoma: Previous studies detected elevated CRP levels in patients with carcinoma and showed that CRP levels were closely associated with HCC.21, 22 CRP is an acute‐phase reactant produced by hepatocytes and regulated by inflammatory cytokines, particularly interleukin (IL)‐6.23 Elevated IL‐6 and CRP levels are known to be associated with a higher risk of HCC.24 Therefore, CRP level plays a key role in the progression of HCC.11 With a high CAR, serum albumin level is found to be decreased.