Biochemical Markers of Hepatitis B and C Progression in Pakistani Patients

Submission: 01 November 2025 | Acceptance: 20 January 2026 | Publication: 09 April 2026

Rimsha Kanwal

Senior Demonstrator, Shahida Islam Medical and Dental College, Lodhran

ABSTRACT:

Background: Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C remained major public health concerns in Pakistan, contributing significantly to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Biochemical markers played a crucial role in assessing disease progression, monitoring liver injury, and guiding clinical management. However, variations in biomarker profiles among Pakistani patients required further evaluation to improve early detection and prognosis.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the role of biochemical markers in determining the progression of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C among Pakistani patients.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad, from March 2025 to February 2026. A total of 90 patients diagnosed with Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C were included using a non-probability consecutive sampling technique. Patients were categorized into mild, moderate, and severe disease groups based on clinical findings and imaging results. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for key biochemical markers, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, albumin, and prothrombin time (PT). Viral load data were also obtained where available. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, and comparisons between groups were made using ANOVA and chi-square tests, with a p-value <0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results: The mean age of participants was 44.3 ± 11.6 years, with a male predominance (62%). Elevated levels of ALT and AST were observed in 78% of patients, with significantly higher values in the severe group (p<0.001). Total bilirubin and ALP levels were markedly increased in advanced disease stages, indicating progressive hepatic dysfunction. Serum albumin levels were significantly reduced in patients with severe disease (p=0.002), while prolonged prothrombin time was associated with worsening liver function (p=0.001). Patients with higher viral loads exhibited more pronounced biochemical derangements. Hepatitis C patients demonstrated comparatively higher ALT levels, whereas Hepatitis B patients showed more variability in ALP and bilirubin levels.

Conclusion: Biochemical markers such as ALT, AST, bilirubin, albumin, and prothrombin time were found to be reliable indicators of disease progression in Hepatitis B and C patients. Regular monitoring of these markers could facilitate early detection of complications and improve disease management in the Pakistani population.

Keywords: Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Biochemical markers, Liver function tests, Disease progression, Pakistan.