Finally, multivariate regression analysis revealed that the tumor number (HR =1.66, 95% CI = 1.08-2.57, P = 0.022), the tumor size (HR =1.61, 95% CI = 1.08-2.57, P = 0.013), the traditional HCC biomarker AFP (HR =1.97, 95% CI = 1.35-2.87, P < 0.001), NLR (HR =2.34, 95% CI = 1.55-3.52, P < 0.001), INR (HR =1.45, 95% CI = 1.00-2.49, P = 0.041) and CHI3L1 (HR =1.46, 95% CI = 1.00-2.13, P = 0.049) were all independent prognostic factors. Here, CHI3L1 is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.