AFP and hepatocellular carcinoma: Table 2 shows the clinical and biochemical parameters correlated with the elevated serum AFP level (>20 ng/mL) in patients with cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis B. Univariable analysis showed that the male gender (P = 0.01), ALT level (P < 0.001), AST level (P < 0.001), alkaline phosphatase level (P = 0.045), gamma-glutamyl transferase level (P < 0.001), and prothrombin time (P = 0.02) were significantly associated with the elevated serum AFP level (>20 ng/mL) in patients with hepatitis B without developing HCC.