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Delta virus and childhood leukemia.
F Rossetti1, L Zancan, M G Bonato
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Padua, Italy.
Pediatric Hematology and Oncology
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infection is common in children with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) who have chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. HDV infection is linked to more severe chronic liver disease and worse outcomes in ALL survivors.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Pediatric Oncology
Background:
- Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a concern in children with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL).
- Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is a unique RNA virus that requires HBV for replication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of HDV infection in children with ALL in remission.
- To assess the association between HDV infection and the severity of chronic liver disease in these patients.
Main Methods:
- Study included 145 children with ALL in remission, off chemotherapy for at least 2 years.
- Assessed prevalence of chronic HBV and HDV infections.
- Compared liver disease markers (ALT levels, biopsy results) between HDV-infected and non-infected groups.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of chronic HBV infection was 41.5%; HDV prevalence among HBV-infected patients was 50%.
- HDV-infected children showed significantly higher ALT levels and more severe liver disease (chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis) compared to HBsAg-positive, anti-HDV-negative patients.
- HBsAg-negative children had the lowest ALT levels and least severe liver disease.
Conclusions:
- HDV infection in children with ALL is associated with serious chronic liver disease.
- HDV infection is a significant cause of morbidity and an adverse prognostic factor for leukemia-free survival in long-term ALL survivors.