Indications and Histological Outcomes of Liver Biopsies in Sokoto, Northwestern Nigeria

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Background: Various liver disorders require histological assessment for proper diagnosis, staging, treatment, or follow-up. We determine indications and histological outcomes of liver biopsy samples. Materials and Methods: Sixty-two patients were consecutively recruited from four health centers within Sokoto metropolis over a five-year period (March 2019 to February 2023). Fifty one subjects that consented had a liver biopsy done for various indications. The tissues obtained were taken for histopathologic evaluations. Results: In the majority of the subjects, 39 (76.5%) the clinical indications for liver biopsy was Chronic viral Hepatitis infections (CVHI) while 7(13.7%) and 5(9.8) of the subjects had clinical indications of unexplained liver mass and fatty liver disease respectively. In all, fifty one subjects had liver biopsy. Histological outcomes were: Chronic Hepatitis 37 (72.5%), followed by HCC with 6 (11.8%), steatohepatitis 4(7.8%) then one subjects each for steatosis and secondary metastasis to the liver. Among the subjects with histological findings of Chronic Hepatitis majority of them either having mild necroinflammation 13(35.1%) or moderate necroinflammation 14(40.5%). Significant fibrosis was found in over 40% of the patients, with 2(5.6%) had histological conclusion of liver cirrhosis. The degree of inflammation and fibrosis from chronic hepatitis was not statistically significant between genders. Conclusions: Despite advancements made in available facilities in diagnosing liver diseases, tissue still plays a significant role in diagnosis. This is particularly so in regions with hyper- endemicity for CHBVI and low socio-economic standards.