Thrombin Time Clotting Assay as a Predictor Marker of Bleeding Risk in Individuals with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Calabar, Nigeria

Background and Objective: Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) has become the leading cause of liver disease, and its prevalence is projected to rise further as obesity rates increase and the global population continues to age. This study aims to investigate the coagulation parameters in individuals with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) attending the clinic at Medicine Outpatient and Internal Medicine Department, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria. Methods and Methods: A case study design was used in the study at Medicine Outpatient, Family Medicine of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar. A total of 40 subjects (20 controls and 20 patients) were selected. Citrate samples were used, and PT, APTT, and TT testing were performed using the Quick One-Stage method. The results were presented in percentages, student’s t-test, and Pearson’s correlation, p<0.05. Results: The demographic distribution with the highest percentage age range of 40-60 (70%), male (45%), female (55%), married individuals (100%), and duration of having NAFLD 2 years and above (95%). The NAFLD patients had higher mean values of BMI, SBP, and DBP vital signs (36 kg/m², 138 and 85 mmHg) than the control subjects (26 kg/m², 106 mmHg, and 68 mmHg). The TT parameters show a strongly significant (p<0.05) prolongation in NAFLD patients (21 sec) when compared with the control subjects (13 sec), while APTT shows mild prolongation. Females had a higher value of weight in contrast to males. There was also a mild positive correlation (r = 0.212; p<0.05) between TT and APTT of NAFLD patients. Conclusion: The finding of this study suggests that TT should be included as a marker for easy investigation of NAFLD and to identify potential bleeding or clotting risks for proper management.