Biochemical Evaluation of Oxidative Stress in Patients with Chronic Liver Disease in Rivers State

Chronic liver disease, including liver cirrhosis resulting from chronic hepatitis B and alcohol-related causes, is associated with progressive oxidative stress that accelerates hepatic injury. This study evaluates oxidative stress markers including malondialdehyde, total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione in patients with chronic liver disease attending a hepatology clinic in Rivers State, South South Nigeria. A case-control design was adopted, with 90 chronic liver disease patients and 90 age-matched healthy controls. Liver disease severity was staged using Child-Pugh scoring, and the relationship between Child-Pugh class and oxidative stress indices was examined. Hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis C antibody, and alcohol history were documented for aetiology classification. Standard liver function tests and a full blood count were also performed. The study evaluates whether oxidative stress markers correlate with the severity of hepatic dysfunction and whether they offer prognostic utility independent of conventional liver biochemistry. Recommendations for antioxidant supplementation as adjunctive therapy in chronic liver disease management in South South Nigeria are discussed. Keywords: chronic liver disease, oxidative stress, malondialdehyde, liver cirrhosis, Rivers State.