Background: Liver complications show specific processes like hepatoxicity associated with drugs, primary neoplasm, or hepatotropic virus infections. Different markers based on laboratory testing help to diagnose and monitor liver related conditions. Mostly used tests are classed in a set known as hepatic panel or liver profile mainly consisting of body enzymes.
Objective: The objective of the present study was to ascertain the role of gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay in enzymatic panel for hepatobiliary function assessment among patients attending Kibungo hospital.
Methods: Two hundred twenty-five clients were included in the study. Demographic data were collected from December 2016 to March 2017. Blood sera were also collected and tested for serum GGT and ALP levels. Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) was used in data analysis.
Results: Seventy-four point seven per cent of clients had normal GGT whereas 63.1% had normal ALP. The 0.9% of clients comprised low levels of ALP. The means were 53 and 153 U/L for GGT and ALP, respectively. Fifty per cent of alcohol consumers’ population had elevated GGT and ALP. An increase of 69.2 and 61.5% for GGT and ALP, respectively was observed in smokers’ population. The subpopulation of hepatitis C virus (HCV) was the most with elevated GGT and ALP levels. In HIV population, serum GGT and ALP were raised at 31.1 and 37.8%, respectively. In fact, hepatitis B virus (HBV), HCV, and HIV patients are clinically considered as immuno-compromised people. Alcohol consumption and smoking were also found to increase GGT and ALP concentrations. In addition, GGT and ALP levels were simultaneously elevated in 19.6% of the clients, indicating the frequency of cholestatic liver disease.
Conclusion: Elevated GGT and ALP revealed the occurrence of cholestasis among study participants due to factors that elevate serum GGT and ALP levels as a result of dysfunctional liver conditions. In hospital laboratories, GGT and ALP should always be included in the panel of tests for screening and bio-monitoring liver related conditions in Rwanda.
Key words: Cholestatic liver disease; Kibungo hospital; Enzymatic panel; Alkaline phosphatase; Glutamyltransferase