Estimation of Serum Minerals, Total Protein and Liver Enzymes in HIV Patients Receiving Haart in Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Aims: This study was aimed to estimate serum minerals level (calcium, zinc, phosphorus), total protein and liver enzymes (ALT and AST) in patients taking HAART at Federal Medical Centre Keffi, Nasarawa state. Nigeria. Study design: This study engaged a cross-sectional study design to investigate the liver enzyme alterations and the level of serum minerals in patients taking HAART when compare with treatment naïve (Pre-HAART) controls. Place and duration of the study: The study was conducted in Federal Medical Center Keffi, Nasarawa State-Nigeria. Data collection spanned a specific duration from December, 2022 to March, 2023. Method: A total of 143 subjects were involved in the study of which were 59 HIV positive patients on HAART, 34 Pre-HAART patients and 50 healthy subjects served as controls. 5ml venous blood sample was collected after taking aseptic precaution from the study subjects into plain vacuum tubes; sample was left for 30 minutes at room temperature and centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 4 minutes. Sero-negativity of the control (healthy patients) was confirmed by HIV TRI-DOT test. Serum total calcium, serum phosphorus, serum zinc. Total proteins were estimated using spectrophotometer while AST and ALT were estimated by colorimetric method. Result: The study indicated that both pre-HAART and HAART patients showed significantly higher (P<.05) AST and ALT activities compared to sero-negative patients. Pre-HAART patients had lower Zinc (11.22±4.86) and TP (43.18±22.52) levels than sero-negative patients, with Zinc (16.58±4.20) and TP (65.47±12.79). In contrast, HAART patients experienced a significant increase (P<.005) in Zinc (14.29±3.41) and TP (61.56±18.87) levels compared to pre-HAART patients (11.22±4.86) and (43.18±2.52). No significant difference in serum calcium level in all groups. Patients on HAART and sero-negative patients displayed normal Phosphorus level which is significantly higher in pre-HAART patients. Conclusion: This study concluded that the serum level of ALT and AST were increased in HIV positive patients on HAART and pre-HAART patients. HAART improved level of serum zinc and total protein.