ALCOHOL-INDUCED LIVER INJURY: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY EVALUATING LIVER FUNCTION TESTS IN A SOUTH AFRICAN POPULATION.

Nontokomalo  Mkhize; Nokukhanya  Thembane

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v4i3.358

Authors

Nontokomalo Mkhize Mangosuthu University of Technology, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Nokukhanya Thembane Mangosuthu University of Technology, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v4i3.358

Keywords:

Alcohol Drinking, Liver Diseases, Alcoholic, Liver Function Tests, Retrospective Studies, De Ritis Ratio

Abstract

Background:

Alcohol consumption is a major public health issue that has been linked to liver injury, which can be detected by liver function tests. However, limited research has been conducted on the effects of alcohol on liver function tests in African populations.

Objectives:

This retrospective observational study aimed to evaluate the effects of alcohol on liver function tests in a South African population.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 150 patients who had undergone liver function tests between May 2021 and December 2021 at a tertiary hospital in South Africa were included in the study. The mean values, t-tests, and p-values of liver function tests (TP, TB, ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, and Albumin) of male and female patients were analyzed. The De Ritis ratio was also calculated to assess the degree of liver injury induced by alcohol.

Results:

The results showed statistically significant differences in the mean values of the liver function tests between male and female patients. The De Ritis ratio was greater than 2 in 31% of the patients, indicating liver injury induced by alcohol consumption.

Conclusions and Implications:

The findings highlight the importance of regular monitoring of liver function tests in individuals who consume alcohol, particularly in African populations where limited research has been conducted on this topic. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of alcohol on liver function tests and to develop effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of alcohol-induced liver disease in African populations. The study provides insight into the effects of alcohol on liver function tests in South Africa and underscores the need for ongoing monitoring and prevention efforts to reduce the burden of alcohol-induced liver disease.

Author Biographies

Nontokomalo Mkhize, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

is a driven and focused individual pursuing a BHSc: MLS degree
at the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the Mangosuthu University of Technology. With a keen
interest in clinical pathology, Nontokomalo is currently undertaking research in this field as part
of her fourth-year studies. As a clinical pathology MLS, she will diagnose and monitor diseases by analyzing body fluids and tissues. This crucial role requires strong
analytical skills, attention to detail, and a thorough understanding of medical laboratory
procedures. Nontokomalo's passion for clinical pathology is evident in her commitment to her
research, and she is sure to make a valuable contribution to the field upon graduation.

Nokukhanya Thembane, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

is a board-certified medical laboratory scientist with expertise in clinical pathology, has an extensive experience in medical education, and community engagement in the field of Medical Laboratory Science and Medical Technology. Her passion for educating and mentoring the next generation of medical laboratory scientists and researchers is her contribution to the advancement of the field. Her research and supervision of research projects are directed to the diagnostic medicine, epidemiology, pathogenesis, development of alternative treatment interventions, that can improve patient outcomes and advance our
understanding of diseases.