Abnormalities in Serum Lipids and Liver Fuction in Nigeria Patients with Leprosy

Abstract

To estimate the serum lipids and liver function of Nigerian leprosy patients and the effect of dietary habits on their serum lipid levels. A questionnaire was administered to all leprosy patients seen in leprosy clinics in Anambra State to ascertain disease type, activity and duration as well as dietary preferences. Each patient was medically examined and venous blood sample obtained for the determination of total cholesterol, triglycerides, albumin, total globulin and tests for liver function. The analysis of variance was applied for the comparison of data obtained for the groups of patients in the leprosy spectrum and the different disease activity. The t-test was used to compare the data obtained for the defined dietary habits. P<0.5 was significant, 30 control subjects were similarly studied. Total serum cholesterol was above 200mg/dl in 9 patients; ranged between 200 and 163mg/dl in 4 patients and less than 163mg/dl in 6 patients with active lepromatous leprosy. There were significant differences in total cholesterol and triglycerides (P<0.05; P<0.005 respectively) between the leprosy groups. The triglyceride concentration progressively diminished across the spectrum in the order Tg-LL>TgBL>Tg-TT. There were functional abnormalities in the liver of patients with lepromatous leprosy. The differences in the liverfunction and the serum proteins between the leprosy groups were significant (P<0.005). The mean serum albumin was lower while the mean total globulin, aminotransferases, and alkaline phosphatase were higher in lepromatous leprosy than in control subjects. The serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were significantly higher in leprosy patients who consumed pastries than in those who consumed traditional meals. The observed changes in serum lipids may be multi-factorial and these include disease type and activity, during of illness, liver function status and dietary habits among other factors. Lepromatous leprosy patient may have serum cholesterol levels in abnormal range and thus predisposed to enhanced atherogenesis and increased cardiovascular morbidity.


Jnl of Medical Investigation and Practice Vol.2 2001: 5-10