Biochemical Monitoring of Antituberculosis Drug-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Patients in Kano

Drug-induced hepatotoxicity is a significant adverse effect of first-line antituberculosis therapy, particularly among patients co-infected with HIV or with pre-existing liver conditions. This study examines biochemical monitoring practices for antituberculosis drug-induced hepatotoxicity through serial liver function testing in patients on four-drug regimens at a TB treatment centre in Kano, North West Nigeria. A prospective observational design was adopted, recruiting 120 newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis patients. Alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin were measured at baseline, week 2, week 4, month 3, and month 6 of treatment. HIV co-infection status, nutritional markers including serum albumin, and concurrent medication use were documented. Hepatotoxicity was graded using WHO adverse drug reaction criteria. The study explores whether baseline liver function abnormalities, HIV status, and low albumin predict subsequent hepatotoxicity. The utility of scheduled versus symptom-triggered biochemical monitoring is critically evaluated. Findings will contribute to the development of evidence-based hepatotoxicity surveillance guidelines for TB treatment programmes in North West Nigeria. Keywords: antituberculosis drugs, hepatotoxicity, liver function monitoring, tuberculosis treatment, Kano.