Disordered structure and function of liver in HIV/AIDS--a study of thirty cases.

To study abnormalities in liver associated enzymes and histology in AIDS patients with common infections like hepatotrophic viruses and mycobacteria. 30 cases of HIV/AIDS were studied for any significant pattern emerging. The male:female ratio was 4.26:1, occupation being long-distance truck drivers (30%); migrant goldsmiths (27%); migrant labourers (24%). Duration of illness from onset was within three months (46%) and the maximum duration was 26 months (2%). The most common presentation was fever (90%), weakness (79%), weight loss (62%) and diarrhoea (62%). The CD4 cell count was between 200-500/microL (33%). LFT showed hyperglobulinemia in patients having CD4 cell count <500/microL. Rise of alkaline phosphatase was seen in 63% with CD4 cell count <200/microL. 66.6% had HBsAg reactivity, 33.3% had positive anti-HCV antibody and 50% had abnormal liver histology. One third of these had systemic opportunistic infections like tuberculosis. No correlation could be made between hepatic histology and LFT.