A study of liver function tests in leprosy.

Editor's Abstract: Leprosy is a chronic progressive granulomatous disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. Hepatic involvement is seen in early stages of the disease. Administration of the hepatotoxic drugs like Rifampicin and Dapsone may further deteriorate the liver function. The present study was undertaken to evaluate hepatic status by studying the various liver function tests in leprosy patients and compared to healthy controls. Thirty untreated leprosy patients (18 Multibacillary, 12 Paucibacillary) with duration of illness varying from one month to three years were selected as cases. Twenty healthy age and sex matched persons were taken as controls. Hepatic functional status was evaluated by estimation of serum total bilirubin, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, total protein, albumin and globulin. Independent sample 't' test was used to compare the data. P < 0.05 was considered as significant. Except for serum total protein, there was a statistically significant difference between the mean values of all the parameters in cases when compared to controls. The present study revealed minimal derangement in hepatic function in leprosy patients. Therefore monitoring of liver function tests is very important to assess the functional status of the liver before administration of therapy in leprosy.