Liver dysfunction in children and adolescents during hemodialysis and after renal transplantation

Liver dysfunction is common in patients on hemodialysis or during the posttransplant period. Twelve children in the End-Stage Renal Disease Program at the University of Florida ranging in age from 4 to 18 years, developed persistent, elevated liver enzymes (SGOT or SGPT greater than 100 IU/liter) during hemodialysis in preparation for renal transplantation. Eleven of 12 developed enzyme elevations within six weeks of the initiation of hemodialysis. The other child exhibited enzyme elevations after one year on dialysis while awaiting a second transplant. Most of the children were anicteric and asymptomatic. Potential hepatotoxic drugs were discontinued when serum transaminase elevations were noted. Hepatitis B surface antigenemia was associated with enzyme elevations in one patient; cytomegalovirus seroconversion had occurred in eight patients, but only three had associated enzyme elevations. Liver biopsies were performed in all the patients before or at the time of renal transplantation. The histology was variable and ranged from normal in six patients, mildly abnormal with changes compatible with acute hepatitis in four patients, and granulomatous hepatitis in one patient, to severely abnormal with chronic hepatitis inthe remaining patient. Seven of the 12 children underwent successful transplantation with return of enzyme levels to normal in five and persistent elevations in the others. These findings suggest that evaluation of liver histology provides the only accurate means of assessment of persistent liver dysfunction in children and adolescents on hemodialysis and after renal transplantation.