Assessment of Liver Function Test Abnormalities in Adult Dengue Patients at Mardan Medical Complex, Mardan

Abstract

Background: Background: Dengue virus infection is a major public health concern in tropical regions and is frequently associated with hepatic involvement. Liver dysfunction ranging from mild transaminase elevation to severe hepatic injury has been reported in dengue patients.

Objective: To assess the clinical significance of liver function tests abnormalities in adult patients with dengue virus infection

Methods: This was across-sectional study undertaken at the Department of Medicine, Mardan Medical Complex (MMC), Mardan, from January 2022 to December 2023. A total of 200 participants were included, comprising 88 laboratory confirmed dengue patients and 112 healthy controls. Dengue infection was confirmed using dengue IgM enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Venous blood samples were collected and analyzed for liver function parameters, including serum bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and serum albumin, using standardized automated methods. Patients with chronic liver disease, alcohol use, hepatotoxic drugs exposure, Nephrotic syndrome or other confounding conditions were excluded. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 26, applying the independent t-test, with a p value <0.05.

Results: Of the 88 patients examined, 62(70.45%) were male and 26 (29.54%) were females. The patients' ages ranged from 18 to 60 years, with a mean age of 37.69 years. Most of the dengue patients were males. The highest number of dengue cases were reported among those aged between 31 to 45 years. Compare control group, LFT’s of the dengue patients showed significant elevation of S Bilirubin, ALT, AST and significantly lower level of S albumin (p <0.05)..........................