Evaluation of Antibiotic-Induced Hepatotoxicity and its Correlation with Biochemical Biomarkers

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the potential hepatotoxic risks associated with the administration of various antibiotic classes by monitoring fluctuations in hepatic biomarkers and identifying clinical manifestations among fifty patients (N=50) with no prior history of liver disease. The research utilized a cross-sectional analytical design, gathering clinical and laboratory data that were subsequently processed using SPSS software. The investigation focused on essential liver enzymes, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), along with total bilirubin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The statistical results demonstrated a significant elevation in all liver function parameters following antibiotic therapy. Specifically, ALT and AST levels increased by 132% and 128%, respectively, signaling acute hepatocellular injury. Total bilirubin rose by 167%, suggesting the presence of cholestasis, while CRP levels showed a 226% increase, reflecting a systemic inflammatory response. The study identified a strong positive correlation (p < 0.05) between the duration of treatment, exceeding seven days, and excessive dosage with the severity of hepatic damage. Notably, Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (Augmentin) and Ceftriaxone (Rocephin) were associated with the highest levels of hepatotoxicity, whereas Ciprofloxacin exhibited the lowest impact. Clinical symptoms such as jaundice (48%), fever (52%), and dark urine (44%) were prevalent, reinforcing the laboratory findings of Drug-Induced Liver Injury (DILI). In conclusion, the irrational use of antibiotics poses a severe risk of hepatic necrosis, necessitating routine monitoring of liver functions during prolonged therapies.