DIAGNOSTIC YIELD AND SAFETY OF PERCUTANEOUS LIVER BIOPSIES IN NORTH-WESTERN NIGERIA: CLINICAL OUTCOMES AND ONE HEALTH IMPLICATIONS

Abstract

Accurate histological diagnosis of liver diseases supports the One Health framework by enabling identification of conditions influenced by infectious, environmental, and zoonotic exposures. Percutaneous liver biopsy (PLB) remains the gold standard for diagnosing and staging diverse liver diseases, particularly in regions where non-invasive diagnostic modalities are limited. Despite its widespread use, there is limited contemporary data on the diagnostic yield and safety of PLB in North-Western Nigeria. This study assessed the diagnostic performance and complication profile of PLB in a tertiary hospital over four years. A retrospective review was conducted on all adult patients who underwent PLB at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, from January 2021 to December 2024. Demographic, clinical, procedural, and histopathological data were extracted from medical and pathology records. Diagnostic yield was defined as the proportion of biopsies with a definitive histological diagnosis. Complications were categorized as minor or major. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25, with associations evaluated using chi-square tests. A total of 68 patients (mean age 35.1 ± 12.6 years; 55.9% male) underwent PLB. Chronic hepatitis was the most common indication (72.1%). Adequate tissue (≥1.5 cm) was obtained in all cases, yielding a diagnostic rate of 98.5%. Most biopsies (86.8%) were performed using the blind technique. Complications occurred in 86.8% of patients, all minor, predominantly post-procedural pain (94.9%); no major complications or mortality were recorded. Younger age was significantly associated with the occurrence of complications (p = 0.025). Percutaneous liver biopsy demonstrates excellent diagnostic yield and a favourable safety profile in this setting. It remains indispensable for liver disease evaluation in resource-limited environments.