Lipid profile changes in acute viral hepatitis: A study from a tertiary care centre of eastern India

Gonjhu D; Sarkar K; Gupta M K; Pal S; Pramanik N

Volume : VI, Issue : XII, December - 2017

Lipid profile changes in acute viral hepatitis: A study from a tertiary care centre of eastern India

Gonjhu D, Sarkar K, Gupta M K, Pal S, Pramanik N

Abstract :

Background: Liver is the most important organ for the metabolism of lipids, lipoproteins and apolipoproteins. Acute viral hepatitis is associated with significant hepatic dysfunction including lipid metabolism due to hepatic injury which may serve as prognostic marker for severity of hepatic injury.

Methods: The present Hospital–based retrospective study examined plasma lipid profiles in thirty patients suffered from acute viral hepatitis. Patients�blood samples were collected at both the debut and recovery of diseases. Routine biochemical investigation, hepatotropic viral serology and fasting serum lipid fractions were analysed for changes in patients with acute viral hepatitis.

Results: Jaundice (100%) and high coloured urine (100%) were the commonest presentations. Hepatitis A virus (47%) and Hepatitis B virus (33%) were commonest aetiological agents. Serum cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein (LDL) were significantly higher while high density lipoprotein (HDL) was lower or normal in acute viral hepatitis compared to normal value and those became normal after recovery from the acute hepatitis. Complications were seen in 3(12%) cases with hepatic encephalopathy being the commonest (8%).

Conclusion: Acute viral hepatitis leads to significant alterations of serum lipid fractions which may serve as an indicator of severity of liver damage and be helpful in assessing the prognosis of patients with acute viral hepatitis.