Biochemical Markers of Liver Fibrosis in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Infection in Delta State

Chronic hepatitis B infection remains a significant public health problem in Nigeria, with Delta State in the South South geopolitical zone carrying a high burden of the disease. This study evaluates non-invasive biochemical markers of liver fibrosis including the AST-to-platelet ratio index, FIB-4 score, and gamma-glutamyl transferase-to-platelet ratio in patients with chronic hepatitis B at a tertiary hospital in Delta State. A cross-sectional design was adopted, recruiting 150 patients with serologically confirmed chronic hepatitis B infection. Liver function tests including ALT, AST, GGT, and alkaline phosphatase were measured alongside platelet count, albumin, and hepatitis B viral load (where available). Fibrosis indices were calculated and compared against each other for their concordance and clinical utility. The study also examines the relationship between viral load, clinical HBV staging, and biochemical fibrosis markers. Findings will support the use of non-invasive fibrosis markers as a practical alternative to liver biopsy for disease staging in resource-limited settings in South South Nigeria. Keywords: chronic hepatitis B, liver fibrosis, APRI score, FIB-4, Delta State.