The Effect of Chronic Renal Failure on Hepatic Functions in Sudanese Patients

Abstract

There is abundant evidence that animal studies in chronic renal failure show a major down regulation of hepatic cytochrome P450 metabolism and hepatic functions are reduced; however, direct evidence in humans is lacking. This study is carried out in the period from October 2003 to October 2004 and the purpose of it is to outline the effect of chronic renal failure on human hepatic functions. Liver functions in Sudanese patients with chronic renal failure were studied. Study subjects were 45 patients (11 females and 34 males) with chronic renal failure under regular heamodialysis (2 times per week) and 20 healthy persons (control). Blood samples were collected from the patients (pre-dialysis) and the controls in order to measure serum albumin, total protein, serum bilirubin levels as well as aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase activities (ALP). Chronic renal failure patients exhibited a decrease in serum albumin level (p<0.05) while total protein level and alkaline phosphatase activity were increased (p<0.05). Chronic renal failure did not alter AST and ALT activities. Serum bilirubin levels were unaffected. From this study it is concluded that chronic renal failure has no clear effect upon the liver functions in humans and that it may be attributed to the positive effect of dialysis removal of toxins outside the body.