Influence of ARVs on Some Biochemical Changes in Liver Non Enzymatic Markers of HIV Positive Patients Attending Specialist Hospital Sokoto, Nigeria

Abstract

Both HIV infection and antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) are associated with abnormalities of liver function, revealed by both enzymatic and non-enzymatic markers. This study evaluated the effect of HIV infection and antiretroviral drugs on the liver non enzymatic marker (total and direct bilirubin, total protein and albumin level) of HIV positive patients (pre-highly active antiretroviral therapy and those on therapies) attending the voluntary counselling and testing units in the state. Seventy five subjects were enrolled into the study, which constituted 25 HIV negative individuals (control group), 25 HIV positive patient not on antiretroviral therapy and 25 on the therapy. Bilirubin, albumin, total protein and CD4 cell count were determined using standard methods. Significantly (p<0.05) higher level of total bilirubin, direct bilirubin and total protein in the HIV positive non-treated with ARVs was observed compared to the control group. At the initiation of antiretroviral therapy the levels of the three parameters were lower, though statistically not significant except for total protein. Albumin level and CD4 cell count were significantly (p<0.05) lower in the non-treated group compared to the control subjects. But at the initiation of therapy the serum levels of Albumin and CD4 count was significantly (p<0.05) higher except for albumin level. HIV infection lowers the level of liver non enzymatic markers, which increase at the initiation of antiretroviral therapy.

Keywords: Bilirubin, Albumin, Total protein and CD4 cell