Assessment of Liver Function Parameters in Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis Receiving Anti-Tuberculous Therapy in Kaduna State, North West Nigeria

Anti-tuberculous therapy-induced hepatotoxicity is a recognised complication of first-line drug regimens, necessitating regular monitoring of liver function in patients undergoing treatment. This study assessed liver function parameters in pulmonary tuberculosis patients receiving anti-tuberculous therapy at the Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, Kaduna, North West Nigeria. A longitudinal study was conducted among 120 newly diagnosed pulmonary TB patients initiated on the standard six-month isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol regimen. Blood samples were collected at baseline, at two months, and at the end of treatment for determination of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total and conjugated bilirubin, and total protein. Baseline liver function tests were within normal limits for all patients. At the two-month follow-up, 21.7% of patients showed elevated aminotransferase levels more than three times the upper limit of normal, consistent with drug-induced liver injury. Older patients, those co-infected with HIV, and those with pre-existing alcohol use had significantly higher rates of hepatotoxicity. Most abnormalities resolved following dose modification or drug substitution. The study recommends mandatory pre-treatment and periodic monitoring of liver enzymes for all TB patients, with particular attention to high-risk subgroups. Strengthening laboratory capacity in TB treatment centres across Kaduna State is also advocated. Keywords: liver function, tuberculosis, anti-tuberculous therapy, hepatotoxicity, Kaduna State