LIVER FUNCTION TESTS(LFT) PROFILE IN INTENSIVE CARE UNIT PATIENTS : A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background and study aim: Deranged LFT, commonly noted along with other abnormal blood parameters in ICU patients is both a consequence as well as a signicant cause of patient's morbidity. In this observational study we aim to analyse the patterns of liver injury noted in patients being treated in ICU and suggest various precocious therapeutic measures for better clinical outcomes. We conducted a prospectiveMethods: observational study in ICU patients irrespective of age and gender from January 2020 to February 2022. We analyzed the pattern of liver injury(hepatocellular/cholestatic) and also noted the derangement observed in specic liver parameters secondary to hepatic dysfunction. 974 patients were included in the present study and the study was cleared by institutional ethics committee of the hospital. Of the 974 patientsResults: in study group, 565(58%) found to have abnormal LFT. Among them majority found to have hepatocellular pattern, 441 of 565(78%). Cholestatic pattern was noted in 51 patients(9%) and mixed pattern in 73 patients(13%). The major causes for hepatocellular injury were hypoxic hepatitis(shock/congestion/respiratory failure etc.), noted in 256 patients(58%) and ethanol related liver injury, noted in 146 patients(33%). The major cause for cholestatic pattern as well as mixed pattern was sepsis. Liver dysfunction is a major contributor for signicantConclusion: morbidity and mortality in ICU patients. Deranged LFT was seen in more than half of the patients of our study group. Precocious therapeutic measures like early and aggressive treatment of sepsis, hemodynamic abnormalities and metabolic derangements can prevent or reduce the severity of liver dysfunction there by leading to improved clinical outcomes in measures of morbidity and mortality.