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Liver aminotransferases in under-five HIV-positive children on HAART
African Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences
|June 10, 2016
Summary
Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) can cause liver issues in children, but these effects resolved within six months. This study monitored liver enzymes in HIV-infected children on HAART, finding significant improvements over time.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Hepatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Developing countries report higher early mortality rates with HAART initiation compared to developed nations.
- Assessing the impact of HAART on liver function in children under five is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) on the liver function of children under five years old.
- To investigate the reversibility of HAART-induced hepatotoxicity in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 238 children under five was studied in Southern Nigeria.
- Liver function was assessed by measuring alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels.
- Group A (HIV-positive on HAART) was monitored for six months, with blood samples taken at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months.
Main Results:
- Initial elevated ALT levels in the HAART group suggested potential hepatotoxicity.
- ALT and AST levels in the HAART group significantly decreased by 39.3% and 29.9% after 3 months (p < 0.05).
- Further significant reductions of 50.6% for ALT and 32.2% for AST were observed after 6 months (p < 0.05), indicating resolved hepatotoxicity.
Conclusions:
- HAART-induced hepatotoxicity in HIV-infected children is a transient condition.
- Liver function markers normalize within six months of HAART monitoring in pediatric patients.
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