Pattern of Liver Biochemical Markers and Their Association with Blood Pressure in Preeclampsia: Insights from Tertiary Hospitals in Enugu, Nigeria

Abstract

Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy that can cause multi-organ dysfunction. In severe cases, it often manifests as hepatic impairment. This study aimed to characterize liver biochemical marker patterns and assess their association with blood pressure in preeclampsia. Data were obtained from tertiary hospitals in Enugu, Nigeria. We performed a cross-sectional study at two hospitals in Enugu metropolis, South East, Nigeria. Participants were recruited between April 2024, and March 2025. Using simple random sampling, sixty pregnant women were recruited: 30 with preeclampsia and 30 normotensive controls. Participants were matched by age and gestational age. We assessed liver function markers such as; alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and blood pressure using standard protocols. Results showed that women with preeclampsia had significantly elevated ALT, AST, and total bilirubin levels compared to the control group (p < 0.05). ALP concentrations were similar between groups. We found strong positive correlations between elevated blood pressure and increased AST and ALT. These findings demonstrate a robust relationship between hypertension and hepatic dysfunction in preeclampsia. This underscores the importance of routine liver function assessment in managing preeclampsia. Early identification of hepatic involvement may enable timely intervention and reduce maternal and neonatal risks.