CRP and hepatocellular carcinoma: Besides, we conducted a correlation analysis between patient characteristics and the APS, and found that among HCC patients within the Milan Criteria after curative ablation with a higher APS, more patients had reduced WBC, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts; increased CRP level; increased PNI, mGPS, GPS, and CAR; increased ALBI grade; cirrhosis; and increased AST and TBIL, suggesting a higher APS often with poorer immune response, an elevated inflammation status, and worse liver functional reserve.