LIVER FUNCTION ABNORMALITIES IN HIV POSITIVE INDIVIDUALS WITH VIRAL HEPATITIS CO-INFECTION

BACKGROUND: Liver enzyme elevations are common in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients, and their diagnosis and management becomes a challenge because of complex pathogenic mechanisms. Liver enzyme abnormalities may be worsened by hepatitis B (HBV) or hepatitis C (HCV) infection, which each have their own risks for chronic immune-mediated liver disease along with direct cytotoxicity. OBJECTIVES: The present study was done to identify various liver function abnormalities in HIV and viral hepatitis co-infection METHODS: The study included 22 HIV seropositive patients along with serology positive for hepatitis (19 patients were HBsAg positive and 3 patients were HCV positive) who presented to Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Hospital from the year 2012 to 2014. Complete haemogram, blood urea, serum creatinine, liver function tests, CD4 count, and ultrasound abdomen was done for all the patients. LFT abnormalities were compared with HIV positive patients without hepatitis (78 patients). RESULTS: LFT abnormalities were significant in comparison to patients with negative hepatitis serology. Only a modest elevation of liver enzymes was seen in hepatitis. Co-infection. Majority of the patients had elevation of transaminases and INR was normal in all HCV positive patients. CONCLUSION: HBV and HCV coinfection increases the incidence of LFT abnormality. Only a modest elevation of liver enzymes was seen in hepatitis co-infection.