Liver function impairment and associated factors among adult human immunodeficency virus infected individuals on antiretroviral therapy at Hosanna town, Central Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND

Antiretroviral therapy significantly reduces human immunodeficiency virus-related morbidity and mortality. However, this therapy, along with other factors, can cause liver damage. There is a dearth of evidence on liver function impairment among human immunodeficiency virus patients receiving antiretroviral therapy in central Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with liver function impairment in adult patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study among 307 human immunodeficiency virus-positive adults receiving antiretroviral therapy was conducted from December 10, 2023, to March 15, 2024, at Wachamo University Nigist Eleni Mohammed Memorial Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia. The antiretroviral therapy clinic attendants were recruited consecutively, a structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data, and additional clinical data were collected from medical records. Blood samples were collected, and liver function analytes were determined via a Cobas C311 chemistry analyzer. Hepatitis B and C viruses were tested via a serological test strip. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with liver function impairment via SPSS Version 27.0. P values < 0.05 with a 95% confidence level were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Among the 307 Human immunodeficiency virus patients receiving antiretroviral therapy, 19.2% (95% CI = 15.0-24.1%) had abnormal liver function. All the impairments were Grade I. HBsAg positivity (AOR = 4.03; 95% CI = 1.1-14.8, P = 0.036), the use of herbal medicine (AOR = 4.46; 95% CI = 1.18-16.9, P = 0.028), and the use of anti-tuberculosis drugs (AOR = 3.6; 95% CI = 1.003-13.01, p = 0.05) were factors associated with liver function impairments.

CONCLUSION

According to this study, liver function impairment was common among individuals living with human immunodeficiency virus and was significantly associated with hepatitis B virus coinfection, herbal medicine use and the use of anti-tuberculosis drugs. Therefore, ART treated patients with these factors require close monitoring before severe adverse consequences occur.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.