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Reversible hepatic dysfunction in association with cyclophosphamide therapy
D V Milford1, N Butler, R Clarke
1Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital, Birmingham, UK.
European Journal of Pediatrics
|May 1, 1995
Summary
Cyclophosphamide treatment for nephrotic syndrome in a child led to reversible jaundice and abnormal liver function. Pediatricians should monitor for potential drug-induced liver injury in children receiving this therapy.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Hepatology
Background:
- Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder often treated with immunosuppressive agents.
- Cyclophosphamide is an alkylating agent used in treating various conditions, including nephrotic syndrome.
- Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a significant concern in pediatric pharmacotherapy.
Observation:
- A 5.5-year-old child with nephrotic syndrome received cyclophosphamide therapy.
- After nine weeks, the child presented with jaundice and elevated liver function tests.
- No infectious cause for the liver abnormalities was identified.
Findings:
- Cyclophosphamide therapy was associated with transient, reversible hepatic dysfunction in this pediatric patient.
- Liver function tests normalized within five weeks of discontinuing cyclophosphamide.
- This case highlights a rare adverse effect of cyclophosphamide in children with nephrotic syndrome.
Implications:
- Pediatricians should consider cyclophosphamide as a potential cause of liver dysfunction in children with nephrotic syndrome.
- Awareness of this potential side effect is crucial for prompt diagnosis and management.
- Further surveillance for hepatic adverse events may be warranted in pediatric patients on cyclophosphamide.