Elevated Des-Gamma-Carboxy Prothrombin

An increased serum level of protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist-II (PIVKA-II), also known as des-γ-carboxyprothrombin (DCP), an abnormal nonfunctional prothrombin variant produced primarily by hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, serving as a tumor marker for HCC.

Causes

• Hepatocellular carcinoma

• Vitamin K deficiency states

  • Nutritional vitamin K deficiency

  • Vitamin K antagonists (warfarin)

  • Broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy disrupting intestinal vitamin K production

  • Severe hepatic dysfunction

• Hepatobiliary disorders

  • Obstructive jaundice

  • Cholestatic liver disease