Journal of
Public Health and Epidemiology

  • Abbreviation: J. Public Health Epidemiol.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 2141-2316
  • DOI: 10.5897/JPHE
  • Start Year: 2009
  • Published Articles: 655

Full Length Research Paper

Abnormal liver function test in patients with diabetes and hypertension on treatment at the Laquintinie and Douala General Hospitals

Fidele Kenfack
  • Fidele Kenfack
  • Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, P. O. Box 63 - Buea, Cameroon.
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Dickson Shey Nsagha
  • Dickson Shey Nsagha
  • Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, P. O. Box 63 - Buea, Cameroon.
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Jules Clement Assob
  • Jules Clement Assob
  • Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, P. O. Box 63 - Buea, Cameroon.
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  •  Received: 21 December 2020
  •  Accepted: 09 May 2022
  •  Published: 30 November 2022

Abstract

Comorbidity of diabetes mellitus and hypertension is common, with both diseases and their treatment being able to cause liver function abnormalities, which can lead to liver failure. This study aims to access the effect of drugs used in the management of these diseases on liver function. A cross-sectional study will be conducted, followed by a case-control design. Ethical clearance will be obtained from the Faculty of Health Sciences Institutional Review Board and administrative authorization from the various hospital directorates. The sampling procedure adopted will be consecutive and shall include all consenting patients aged 21 years and above, treated for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or both. Pregnant women, patients with liver disease, viral hepatitis, as well as those on known hepatotoxic drugs will be excluded. Clinical, lifestyle, anthropometric data as well as venous blood samples will be collected and analyzed for liver enzymes (aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and gamma glutamyl transferase) total or conjugated bilirubin, hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis C virus antibodies. Student T-test will be used to compare means and chi-square to test for proportion. Associated factors will also be determined using odds ratios. A p-value of <0.05 will be considered significant. The prevalence of liver function abnormalities shall be determined. Determinants of liver function abnormalities shall also be identified.

Key words: Liver function tests, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, treatment, liver failure.