Assessment of haematological parameter and Liver enzyme among Hepatitis B Infected Blood Donors

Abstract

Viral hepatitis poses a substantial global health burden. The most often seen abnormalities after the diagnosis of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) generally encompass haematological abnormalities and changes in liver parameters. The aim of this study is to evaluate the haematological variables and liver enzymes, specifically aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT), among blood donors who have contracted the hepatitis B virus (HBV) at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Owo. The study encompassed a cohort of 70 individuals, with the experimental group comprising 50 individuals who exhibited positive results for the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The control group consisted of a sample of twenty (20) apparently healthy adults. The mean levels of red blood cells (RBC), hematocrit (HCT), haemoglobin (HGB), and platelets (PLT) demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in persons relative to the control group, as evidenced by the p-values of 0.002, 0.001, 0.035, and 0.002, respectively. No statistically significant decrease in the average concentration of white blood cells (WBC) was reported among the participants in comparison to the control group (p=0.236). The study revealed a significantly increased mean concentration of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in the participants as compared to the control group (p=0.016). The study findings revealed that there was no statistically significant difference in the levels of AST observed between the participants and the control group (p = 0.285). The present study has provided evidence to support the use of haematological parameters and liver enzymes as a reliable and accurate approach for assessing the severity of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Therefore, it is crucial to incorporate the surveillance of patients even after their recovery from hepatitis B virus infection as an essential element of their healthcare. Keywords: Hepatitis B, Liver, Haematological Parameter, Liver Enzyme