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Liver aminotransferases in under-five HIV-positive children on HAART

M O Ajulo, M K Omole, J O Moody

    African Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences
    |June 10, 2016
    PubMed

    Insights

    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.
    Abstract

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