Profile of Liver Biopsies in Benin City: The Challenge of Defaulting Patients.

Abstract

Aim: To review the profile of liver biopsies done in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital and 
patients’ reasons for fear or rejection.
Methods: All patients requiring liver biopsy within one year (May 2011-April 2012) were interviewed pre 
and post-biopsy. Defaulters were traced and interviewed.
Results: Sixty three patients were offered biopsy of which 26 (41.3%) accepted it, 29 (46.0%) defaulted 
and 8 (12.7%) were unfit. Seven (24.1%) of the 29 who defaulted were untraceable.
Indications for biopsy included asymptomatic chronic hepatitis B infection 34 (54.0%), uncharacterized 
chronic liver disease 16 (25.4%), liver cancer 7 (11.1%), alcoholic liver disease 4 (6.3%) and drug induced 
hepatitis 2 (3.2%).
Histologic diagnosis revealed chronic hepatitis 9 (34.6%), cirrhosis 3 (11.5%), hepatocellular carcinoma 4 
(15.4%), steatosis 1(3.8%), secondary malignancy 1 (3.8%), normal findings 8 (30.8%).
Reasons for refusing biopsy included fear of death (54.6%) or pain 21 (95.5%), feeling that it was 
unnecessary 5 (22.7%), advice from others 15 (68.2%). Few knew anyone who had previously had liver 
biopsy 2 (9.1%). All who accepted it believed their fears were unjustified and would repeat it if 
necessary.