Causes of hypertransaminasemia in children, single-center experience

Abstract

Introduction: When transaminase levels (Alanine aminotransferase: ALT, Aspartate aminotransferase: AST) are high, a causal investigation is necessary. Although the etiology and frequency of hypertransaminasemia have been examined at length in the adult population, research addressing pediatric patients is far from being sufficient in number. The objective of this study is to investigate the causes the hypertransaminasemia. We think that knowing the most common causes of hypertransaminasemia in children will help primary care physicians with diagnosis and follow-up.Methods: The patients who were admitted to the pediatric gastroenterology policlinic between 2018- 2019 with ALT gt; 45 IU /L and/or AST gt; 50 IU /L levels were the subjects of this study. They all displayed elevated liver function test (LFT) results due to various conditions including liver-related ones and others. The medical records of the patients, who were between 6 months and 18 years of age, were analyzed.Results: Of 237 patients included in the study, 127 (54%) were male and 110 (46%) were female. The mean age of the patients was 75.40 ± 60.50 months. 5.06% of the patients had fever, 11.39% had hepatomegaly, 7.59% suffered from loss of appetite and 7.59% had abdominal pain. The obesity rate was at 9.70% while splenomegaly was detected in 2.11% of the patients. Elevation of liver enzymes was found to be related with idiopathic causes 35% (n=83), viral infections 21% (n=50), hepatosteatosis 15% (n=38), and medication 8.80% (n=21).Conclusion: Hypertransaminasemia may be an outcome of primary diseases of the liver and it may also be aggravated due to secondary effects. NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, viral infections, and medication continue to be among the most common causes. NAFLD constitutes an important cause of hypertransaminemia in children.

Keywords

• çocuk
• karaciğer fonksiyon testleri
• yağlı karaciğer
• child
• liver function tests
• fatty liver