EVALUATION OF ALANINE TRANSAMINASE, ASPARTATE TRANSAMINASE AND BILIRUBIN OF HIV POSITIVE PAIENTS ON ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY IN EDO STATE UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, AUCHI

ABSTRACT Liver dysfunction is a known complication of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in HIV-positive patients, caused by drug toxicity, viral effects, and co-infections. Monitoring liver function is critical for preventing ART-induced hepatotoxicity in this population. This study evaluated liver function tests (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), bilirubin) in HIV-positive patients on ART at Edo State University Teaching Hospital, Auchi (EDSUTH). A comparative cross-sectional design was used, involving 50 HIV-positive patients on ART and 50 HIV-negative controls. Serum ALT, AST, and bilirubin levels were determined using standard biochemical methods. HIV-positive patients had higher levels of ALT (15.0 ± 5.5 IU/L), AST (32.7 ± 7.6 IU/L), and total bilirubin (0.73 ± 0.36 mg/dL) compared to controls (ALT: 7.3 ± 3.8 IU/L, AST: 16.8 ± 5.8 IU/L, total bilirubin: 0.36 ± 0.2 mg/dL). The elevated liver enzymes suggest hepatocellular damage, which is most likely caused by ART-induced toxicity and viral effects. Liver abnormalities persisted across all ART duration groups, with significant correlations between alcohol consumption, smoking, and elevated enzyme levels, whereas herbal remedy use was associated with lower levels. This study emphasizes the importance of routine liver function monitoring for HIV-positive patients on ART, especially those with risk factors like alcohol consumption and smoking. Personalized ART regimens, lifestyle changes, and increased access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas, are critical for reducing liver damage and improving patient outcomes