Hepatitis in children with tuberculosis: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Abstract Background Hepatitis in young children with tuberculosis (TB) outside miliary TB is not well described and represents a challenge because of the hepatotoxicity associated with first-line anti-TB treatment. Case presentation We report an antibiotic naïve 13-month-old male from Nepal with pulmonary TB and hepatitis, who improved after TB treatment. We also performed a literature review for TB-associated hepatitis in children. Conclusions Liver function tests should be considered, when feasible, in infants and young children with pulmonary TB. Testing could help to identify and manage patients with TB-associated hepatic abnormalities, and also to establish a baseline for detection and management of liver injury associated with anti-TB therapy.

Keywords

• Liver function tests; hepatic tuberculosis
• Hepatitis
• Children
• Transaminases