EVALUATION OF BLEEDING TIME, CLOTTING TIME, AND LIVER FUNCTION ABNORMALITIES IN PATIENTS WITH LIVER DISEASE: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Background: Liver disease significantly affects coagulation function, leading to abnormalities in Bleeding Time (BT) and Clotting Time (CT). Evaluating these parameters in liver disease patients is crucial for understanding hemostatic dysfunction and managing bleeding risks.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care center over 18 months, including 120 patients diagnosed with liver disease. BT and CT were assessed using standard methodologies. Liver Function Tests (LFTs) and complete blood counts were performed. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: A significant proportion of liver disease patients exhibited prolonged BT (40.83%) and CT (34.17%), particularly among those with alcoholic liver disease and cirrhosis. However, statistical analysis showed no significant association between liver pathology and BT/CT abnormalities. Liver Function Tests revealed that SGPT was elevated in 73.33% of patients, SGOT in 70%, and bilirubin in 60.83%, reflecting substantial liver dysfunction.

Conclusion: This study highlights that BT and CT abnormalities are common in liver disease, particularly in cirrhosis and alcoholic liver disease patients. Routine assessment of BT and CT is recommended for early detection of coagulation dysfunction and better clinical management. Further large-scale studies are needed to validate these findings and refine treatment approaches.