Correlation of Aspartate Aminotransferase-Alanine Aminotransferase Ratio with Disease Severity Assessed by Child-Pugh Score in Patients with Chronic Liver Disease: A Retrospective Observational Study

Background: Chronic liver disease (CLD) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Assessment of disease severity is crucial for prognostication and management. The AST/ALT ratio, also known as the De Ritis ratio, has been suggested as a biochemical marker of advanced hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis. However, its correlation with established severity scoring systems such as the Child?Pugh score requires further evaluation. Aim: To evaluate the correlation between AST/ALT ratio and disease severity as assessed by the Child?Pugh score in patients with chronic liver disease. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional observational study will include adult patients with chronic liver disease admitted to BGS GIMS HOSPITAL over a eighteen period. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data will be obtained from medical records. AST/ALT ratio will be calculated at admission. Child?Pugh score will be determined using bilirubin, albumin, INR, ascites, and hepatic encephalopathy. Correlation between AST/ALT ratio and Child?Pugh score will be assessed using Pearson correlation analysis. Comparison of mean AST/ALT ratio among Child?Pugh classes will be performed using ANOVA test. Results: The study is expected to demonstrate a significant positive correlation between AST/ALT ratio and Child?Pugh score, with higher ratios observed in patients with advanced liver disease. Conclusion: AST/ALT ratio may serve as a simple, inexpensive, and readily available biochemical marker for assessing severity in chronic liver disease.