The Prevalence of Liver Dysfunction among HIV Infected Patients on Antiretrovral Therapy in Edo North Senatorial District of Nigeria

Abstract

Liver dysfunction is a known complication of antiretroviral therapy in human immuno-deficiency virus positive patients, caused by drug toxicity, viral effects, and co-infections. monitoring liver function is critical for preventing antiretroviral-induced hepatotoxicity in this population. This study evaluated liver function tests (alanine amino transferase, aspartate amino transferase, bilirubin) in patients infected with human immuno-deficiency virus on antiretroviral therapy at Edo State University Teaching Hospital, Auchi. A comparative cross-sectional design was used, involving 50 human immuno-deficiency-positive patients on antiretroviral and 50 control subjects comprising of those without human immuno-deficiency virus. Serum alamine amino transferase, aspartate amino transferase, and bilirubin levels were determined using standard spectrophotometric methods. The results were recorded and tabulated using Microsoft Excel (Microsoft office 2019). Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 25) was used for the statistical analysis. Significance level used was <0.05. The prevalence of liver dysfunction among hiv-infected individuals shows that eighty percent (80%) of participants had normal alanine amino transferase levels, while twenty percent (20%) exhibited abnormal alanine amino transferase levels, suggesting liver inflammation or damage. eighty eight percent (88.2%) had normal aspartate amino transferase levels, and twelve percent (12%) displayed abnormal aspartate amino transferase levels, further supporting the presence of liver damage. ninety four percent (94%) had normal direct bilirubin levels, while six (6%) showed abnormal direct bilirubin levels, indicating impaired bile flow or liver damage. seventy eight percent (78%) had normal total bilirubin levels, and twenty two percent (22%) exhibited abnormal total bilirubin levels, suggesting liver dysfunction or haemolysis. This study emphasizes the importance of routine liver function monitoring for human immuno deficiency virus-positive patients on antiretroviral therapy, especially those with risk factors like alcohol consumption and smoking. Personalized antiretroviral regimens, lifestyle changes, and increased access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas, are critical for reducing liver damage and improving patient outcomes.