Assessment of Serum Gamma Glutamyl Transferase, Aspartate Aminotransferase and Albumin in Tuberculosis Patients under Treatment in EDSUTH, Edo State, Nigeria

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant health burden globally, particularly in developing nations like Nigeria. The use of anti-tubercular drugs, while effective, is associated with potential hepatotoxic effects, which can be monitored using specific serum biomarkers.

Aim: This study aimed to assess serum levels of Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and Albumin in TB patients undergoing treatment at Edo State University Teaching Hospital, Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria.

Study Design: This cross-sectional study was conducted on tuberculosis patients who were selected by simple random sampling.

Methods: A total of 70 tuberculosis patients aged 10 years and above out of which 48 were being treated with rifampicin, and 22 were being treated with Pyrazinamide for six months and above, as well as 50 healthy controls, participated in this study. Blood samples were analyzed for GGT, AST, and Albumin levels using standard spectrophotometric method. Data was presented as mean ± standard deviation and comparisons between TB patients and controls were made using the independent Student’s t-test. Significance level was taken at p<0.05.

Results: The serum levels of GGT and AST were significantly elevated in TB patients under treatment compared to controls. Albumin levels were significantly lower in TB patients compared to controls. Statistically significant increase was observed in the serum GGT and AST (p<0.05) of patients treated with rifampicin and Pyrazinamide drugs from 6 months and above compared to those not on the treatment. In the long-term treatment phase, serum albumin levels in both drug groups decreased significantly (p<0.05), with Rifampicin showing slightly lower levels compared to Pyrazinamide.

Conclusion: Prolonged TB treatment, especially beyond 6 months, is associated with elevated liver enzyme levels and reduced albumin levels, suggesting potential hepatic stress.