Effects of Highly Active Antiretroviral Treatment on Liver and Kidney Functions

Aim:This study assesses the effects of HAART on liver and renal functions in HIV infected individuals on HAART.Study Design:Cross sectional study.Place and Methods:This study was conducted in Tamale, Ghana from August, 2015 to November 2017. Original Research Article Methodology:A total of 300 HIV infected participants with ages ranging from 19 to 79 years who have been administered with HAART for at least 6 months were recruited. Pre-HAART administration (baseline) demographic and clinical information, with initial liver and renal function test results were retrieved from the medical records of the participants present at the ART center. Post HAART administration blood sample (5mLs) was taken from each participant into a gel separated vacutainer tube, allowed to clot and spun at 3000rpm for 3 minutes to produce serum. The product (serum) was used for liver and renal function test analysis using a fully automated chemistry analyser (Vital Scientific Selectra Flexor XL). Results: Of the study population, 72% were administered with AZT/3TC/EFV, 13% with AZT/3TC/NVP, 6.7% with TDF/3TC/LPV/r and TDF/3TC/NVP, 1% with AZT/3TC/EFV while 0.7% were administered with TDF/FTC/EFV. The following parameters were significantly increased post HAART administration; ALT (25.53 ± 16.90 to 30.87 ± 19.28 U/L), ALP (163.7 ± 141.0 to 215.2 ± 143.4 U/L), GGT (37.27 ± 25.21 to 53.19 ± 41.71 U/L), Total protein (73.97 ± 17.08 to 82.31 ± 11.62 g/L), Albumin (38.02 ±9.331 to 41.01 ± 7.471 g/L), Globulin 38.02 ± 15.71 to 42.79 ± 25.20 (g/L). There were however significant reductions in Total bilirubin (12.13 ± 10.85 to 9.434 ± 4.560 μmol/L), Direct bilirubin (6.616 ± 5.770 to 4.184 ± 2.806 μmol/L), (Creatinine 73.19 ±36.13 to 63.14 ± 27.14 μmol/L) and Urea (3.515 ± 2.552 to 3.011±1.274 mmol/L).Conclusion: HAART improves renal function, induces elevation in liver enzymes, stimulates the production of plasma proteins and reduces serum bilirubin concentration

A prospective pharmacovigilance study to evaluate adverse effect profile of first line anti-tubercular drugs in newly diagnosed sputum positive patients

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) continues to remain one of the most pressing health problems in India with highest TB burden country in the world. Anti-tubercular therapy (ATT) induced organ toxicities are potentially serious ADRs of first line ATT regimen. The underlying mechanism of ATT-induced ADRs especially hepatotoxicity and the factors predisposing to its incidence which is significantly high in Indians are not clearly understood. It's vital to emphasize on ATT induced ADRs as it has direct influence on therapeutic outcome; result in high dropout rate and potential to develop MDR/XDR cases. ADR monitoring help us to revise the treatment protocol thereby improve treatment adherence and therapeutic outcome. Objective of this study is therefore designed to explore and monitor ADRs of first line anti-TB drugs.Methods: In this prospective observational study 60 TB patients (18-70 yrs) of either sex, newly sputum positive with normal parameters were included. Patients were followed up for six months aiming primarily to assess rate of ADRs and to identify preventable and potentially serious ADRs of anti-TB drugs. The ADRs of ATT on various organ systems (heart, kidney and liver), biochemical and haematological parameters were assessed and compared after 2 and 6 months; gender and age specific adverse events were also studied. Data obtained was analysed using student’s t-test of OpenEpi statistical software.Results: Study clearly revealed that ATT exhibit significant increase in toxicity markers viz. liver enzymes (p<0.01), urea and creatinine (p<0.01), ESR (p<0.05) and PTINR (p<0.01), wherein decrease in Hb% (p<0.01) when compared to baseline.Conclusions: ATT related ADRs is the major cause of dropouts and development of MDR/XDR cases. It's crucial to develop strategies to ameliorate ADRs both to improve the quality of patient care and to control TB safely. The data obtained from present study may be helpful in developing these effective strategies.

Evaluation of Protein C in Nigerian Patients with Sickle Cell Anaemia in Steady State.

Background: Sickle cell disease which is considered to be a hypercoagulable state has a worldwide distribution. Protein C is a naturally occurring anticoagulant with anti inflammatory and fibrinolytic properties. Objective: To evaluate the level of Protein C in Nigerian Patients with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) in steady state. Methods: This is a comparative cross sectional study carried out in Ibadan on 40 HbSS patients in steady state attending Haematology clinic at University College Hospital, Ibadan and 40 age and sex matched healthy normal HbAA control. Protein C was assayed with Amax Destiny Coagulometer using clot based method. Liver function test (LFT) was done with Hitachi 912. Results: A significant decrease in Protein C was found in HbSS patients in steady state (median value 62.8%) compared with HbAA control Subjects (74.6%) (p = 0.00). There was no significant difference in the LFT of the HbSS patients and the control HbAA subjects, P > 0.05 in all the parameters measured. (Alanine Transaminase (ALT), P = 0.82; Albumin, P = 0.12; Total Protein, P =0.37). Conclusion: The low Protein C level observed in HbSS patients in steady state may not be due to hepatic dysfunction as LFT in the subjects were found to be normal.

A comparative study of clinical, biochemical and hematological profiles in smear positive malaria patients: at a tertiary care center located in rural part of Gujarat, India.

Background: Aims and objectives of current study were to study the clinical, biochemical and hematological profiles in smear positive malaria patients and its correlation to immediate outcome of patient. To analyze the biochemical and hematological imbalances and its correlation with clinical presentation and type of malarial parasites. To elucidate the correlation of hematological and biochemical changes in children infected with malaria and their impact on immediate outcome of patients. Methods: All patients admitted with a diagnosis of malaria in department of Pediatrics at Dhiraj Hospital, Piparia, Vadodara, during the study period of January 2013 to June 2014. Sample size was 106 cases. Inclusion criteria for the study was all children under 18 years of age with smear positive malaria cases diagnosed. The study was done after obtaining a detailed history, complete general physical examination and systemic examination. The patients were subjected to relevant investigations. The data regarding patient particulars, diagnosis and investigations is collected in a specially designed case recording form and transferred to a master chart subjected to statistical methods like mean, standard deviation, proportion, percentage calculation and wherever necessary chi square test for proportion are used. Results: Total 106 patients were enrolled in study. Complications of PF (N=31): Jaundice 16%, severe anemia 23%, thrombocytopenia 29%, leukopenia in 23%, hyponatremia in 29.1%, cerebral malaria in 16% and hyperkalemia in 17%. Complications of PV (N=65): Jaundice 20%, severe anemia 20%, thrombocytopenia 18%, leukopenia in 11%, hyponatremia in 44.6%, hyperkalemia in 9%, cerebral malaria in 12.3% and hypoglycemia in 3.77%. Conclusions: The incidence of malaria is higher in males than females. Thrombocytopenia is very common in malaria, but spontaneous bleeding is not so common finding in malaria. Mixed infections behave like falciparum malaria. P. vivax malaria though traditionally considered to be a benign entity can also have a severe and complicated course, which is usually associated with P. falciparum malaria.

Evaluation of LFT and serum iron in obstructive jaundice due to choledocholithiasis and carcinoma head of pancreas.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive jaundice is caused due to obstruction to the biliary flow via the biliary system. The most common benign condition causing this obstruction is Choledocholithiasis and the most common malignant cause is Carcinoma head of pancreas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 40 cases of Choledocholithiasis and 40 cases of Carcinoma head of pancreas were included in this study. Liver function tests and serum iron and its related parameters were estimated in both the groups and were statistically compared. RESULTS: A statistically significant increase in Total bilirubin, Direct bilirubin, Alkaline phosphatase and 5’Nucleotidase was seen among Group 2 cases when compared to Group 1 cases. Serum iron levels showed a statistically significant decrease among Group 2 cases when compared to Group 1 cases. DISCUSSION: Early evaluation of obstructive jaundice to establish the etiology is crucial to avoid secondary pathological changes. Liver function tests provide a simple and non-invasive means of diagnosis. In this study it is observed that the magnitude of alteration of LFT is higher in Carcinoma head of pancreas when compared to Choledocholithiasis thus differentiating the two. Serum iron levels are elevated in hepatocellular injury and as there is hepatocellular injury in obstructive jaundice, serum iron levels were estimated in both the groups of patients. However serum iron levels were within the normal range but the mean value was lower in the group 2 compared to group 1 which demands further study in this field.

Study On Harmful Effects Of Opium On Liver And Lungs In Chronic Opium Addicts Of Western Rajasthan.

Background: Today opium dependence is widely prevalent in certain states of India, especially Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh (MP) etc. In rural areas of western Rajasthan crude opium is consumed with a social acceptance by a notable proportion (8.0%) of adult male population. Later on they become addicted to it. Objective: to observe the changes in some liver and lung function parameters in opium addicted subjects of Barmer city of Western Rajasthan. Methods:The present study was conducted in district hospital of Barmer, Rajasthan. Total fifty (50) adult male subjects with age ranged from 30 to 50 years were participated in this study. Among them 25 were opium addicted and were considered as study group (Group B) and another 25 apparently healthy adult male of same age group were designated as control group (Group A). Opium addicts were consuming about 5–11 gm/day opium for >2 years. Then liver function tests were evaluated by estimating serum aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase and lung function tests by measuring FVC, FEV1 , FEV1/FVC% , PEF, FEF 25-75% of both the groups. Results: In this study AST, ALT and alkaline phosphatase levels were found significantly (p<.05) higher in group B as compared to those of group A. Again, FVC, FEV1, FEV1/ FVC were significantly (p<.05) lower in group B as compared to those of group A. PEF (L/sec) and FEF25-75% were also significantly (p<0.001) lower in group B as compared to those of group A. Conclusion: it is concluded that chronic long term use of opium, increases the risk of hepatic and pulmonary damage.

A Study on Viral Hepatitis Markers and Abnormal Liver Function Test in Adults Living in Northwest Area of Chungnam / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We studied the prevalence of chronic hepatitis B, C and abnormality on liver function among the population in northwest area of Chungnam. METHODS: We have reviewed 40,112 adults who had received medical examination at health promotion center in Dankook university hospital. We studied them retrospectively about HBsAg, HBsAb, anti-HCV, and liver function test (LFT). RESULTS: Among the study subjects, 22,936 men and 17,176 women were involved. The overall seroprevalence of HBsAg was 4.2%. The prevalence in men (4.5%) was higher than that of women (3.7%) (p<0.001). The seroprevalence of HBsAg in their age was 5.1% in the 5th decade, 4.2% in the 2nd decade, 4.1% in the 4th decade, and 4.1% in the 6th decade. The overall seroprevalence of HBsAb was 65.1%. The overall seroprevalence of anti-HCV was 0.7%. After we reexamined them with HCV RNA or RIBA (Recombinant Immunoblot Assay), the prevalence of chronic hepatitis C was 0.09%. The LFT abnormality in total subjects was 11.4%. The LFT abnormality of chronic hepatitis B and C subjects was 21.72% and 63.2%. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of chronic hepatitis B and C was lower than that of previous studies. The prevalence of chronic hepatitis B in the 2nd decade was still high.

Clinical Analysis of Injury of Bile Duct System during Operation for Gastric Cancer and Postoperative Changes of Liver Function Tests / 한국간담췌외과학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hepatoduodenal ligament lymph node (LN) dissection has been performed as a part of extended LN dissection during the operation for gastric cancer. And additional cholecystectomy has been performed for more radical node dissection and prevention of cholelithiasis in some centers. There are rare studies and reports about the injury of bile duct system with the operation for gastric cancer. The aim of this study is to evaluate the risk of biliary tree injury with LN dissection for gastric cancer. METHODS: 254 patients of gastric cancer were treated with gastrectomy with LN dissection at Kangnam general hospital between January 1996 and December 2001. Among this group, 151 patients of advanced gastric cancer underwent extended LN dissection of D2+alpha or D3 including hepatoduodenal ligament LN and 69 patients of early gastric cancer underwent D2. And we routinely conducted cholecystectomy for advanced and early gastric cancer. Of these patients, 5 cases without remained or recurred tumor of bile leakage after operation were reviewed. And we analyzed the changes of liver function tests (LFT) of 15 patients of early gastric cancer and 21 patients of advanced gastric cancer whose LFT follow-up data were available. RESULTS: The rate of bile leakage was 2.3% (5 patients) after LN dissection of hepatoduodenal ligament for gastric cancer. Among this group, 3 patients underwent reoperation due to unexpected bile leakage and 2 patients underwent T tube choledochostomy due to minor injury to common hepatic duct on operation. One patient died of sepsis with continued bile leakage after T tube removal on the postoperative 41st day. The serum alkaline phosphatase was increased after operation especially in advanced gastric cancer without clinical significance and there was no other significant abnormality in LFT after hepatoduodenal LN dissection and cholecystectomy in non-recurrent cases. CONCLUSION: Extended lymph node dissection including hepatoduodenal ligament LN and cholecystectomy may have the possibility of increasing the risk of bile duct injury. It is important to select the patients who will benefit from hepatoduodenal ligament LN dissection and cholecystectomy. And meticulous surgical technique to operate biliary tract and adequate management of biliary injury are needed.

The Effect of Epidural Block Combined with General Anesthesia on Postoperative Liver Function / 대한마취과학회지

The common causes of postoperative liver dysfunction during anesthesia and surgery are due to the decreased cardiac output and/or systemic blood pressure as well as poor regional distribution of hepatic blood flow. It is well known that the surgical manipulation and the kinds of operation, especially around the hepatic area, are more important factors about the hepatic blood flow than anesthetics and anesthesia techniques. We postulated that the activity of sympathetic reflex initiated by surgical manipulation could be abolished by instituting epidural block on the peripheral operative field and consequently hepatic blood flow might be improved. We randomly selected 40 patients for upper abdominal surgery and divided them into 4 groups as follows: Group 1: Halothane anesthesia (10 cases, normal liver function test (LFT); contol) Group 2: Halothane anesthesia with epidural block (10 cases, normal LFT) Group 3: Enflurane anesthesia (10 cases, abnormal LFT; control) Group 4: Enflurane anesthesia with epidural block (10 cases, abnormal LFT) Epidural block was performed just before general anesthesia with 1% lidocaine, 2 ml/segment. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was measured before anesthesia and at 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 and 60 min during surgery. And serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase, total protein and albumin were measured before anesthesia and on the 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th postoperative day. The results were as follows: 1) MAP was changed significantly at 20 min in group 2 (p < 0. 01) and at 15 min in group 4(p < 0. 05). 2) The values of postoperative LFT were changed similarly but no statistical difference between group 1 and 2. 3) The values of postoperative LFT were declined significantly (esp. SGOT and SGPT), but no statistical difference between group 3 and 4. 4) Even though the postulation is correct, the effects of epidural block combined with general anesthesia (group 2, 4) on postoperative liver function were not different statistically compared with that of general anesthesia alone (group 1, 3). It might be suggested that the amount of decreased blood flow caused by surgical manipulation would be similar with that by the epidural block. 5) Now we hope that the further evaluation will be expected about the hepatic blood flow such as direct measurement.