Rotavirus Hepatitis in Pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Hepatology
• Transplant Medicine

Background:

• Rotavirus is a leading cause of gastroenteritis in children.
• Stem cell transplantation (TX) can alter a child's immune system and susceptibility to infections.
• Hepatic involvement during rotavirus infection is not well-characterized in transplant recipients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare hepatic biomarker changes during rotavirus infection between stem cell transplant recipients and healthy children.
• To investigate temporal changes in liver function markers before, during, and after rotavirus infection in transplant recipients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of rotavirus-infected children, including allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients (TX group) and healthy children (ROTA group).
• Collected demographic, transplant, and laboratory data, including liver function tests (ASAT, ALAT, GGT, ALP, bilirubin, albumin).
• Analyzed serum levels of liver biomarkers and disease outcomes before, during, and after rotavirus infection.

Main Results:

• TX group showed significantly higher ASAT, ALAT, total bilirubin, and conjugated bilirubin compared to the ROTA group.
• Lower albumin and globulin levels were observed in the TX group.
• The TX group experienced a longer disease duration, with significant temporal changes in ASAT, GGT, and ALP levels.

Conclusions:

• Children undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation exhibit more pronounced liver injury during rotavirus infection.
• The findings suggest a potential hepatotropic behavior of rotavirus in the context of stem cell transplantation.
• Close monitoring of liver function is recommended for transplant recipients during rotavirus infection.