Hepatomegaly with Steatosis Affects the Normal Liver Physiology of Young Adults in Port-Harcourt Metropolis: A Sonographic Assessment

The liver is a major organ and plays a vital role in general physiology of human. Its pathology and abnormality will affect the normal wellbeing of human. This study was designed to determine the factors affecting liver size in adults of 18-50yrs from 2008-2012 in selected hospitals in Port Harcourt metropolis. Four hundred (400) sonograms and reports of patients (244 males and 156 females) scanned and diagnosed of liver diseases were used for this study. Results obtained shows that hepatomegaly with steatosis is the most common pathological conditions of the liver followed by hepatitis with 150 (37.5%) and 90 (22.5%) respectively. Also, from the yearly analysis, 2009 recorded the highest number of patients diagnosed of liver pathologies followed by 2012 with 99(24.5%) and 90(22.5%) respectively. From our findings, hepatomegaly with steatosis is the major pathology that affect the liver size in young adults in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. We also conclude that more alcohol consumption among young adults may trigger this effect on the liver which in turn can hinder the normal functions and can lead to deaths.