Tsunoda T, Inui A, Iwasawa K, Oikawa M, Sogo T, Komatsu H, Ito Y, Fujisawa T. Acute liver dysfunction not resulting from hepatitis virus in immunocompetent children.
Pediatr Int 2017;
59:551-556. [PMID:
28135025 DOI:
10.1111/ped.13249]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Revised: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 12/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
The aim of the present study was to clarify the roles of cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) in immunocompetent children with acute liver dysfunction not resulting from hepatitis virus.
METHODS
Sixty-eight children (median age, 3 years) hospitalized as a result of acute liver dysfunction were enrolled in this study. Hepatitis A, B, and C were excluded. The prevalence of CMV, EBV, and HHV-6 and viral DNA load in whole blood was prospectively evaluated on multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
RESULTS
Of the 68 children with acute liver dysfunction, multiplex real-time PCR was positive in 30 (44%). CMV, EBV, and HHV-6 DNA were detected in 13 (19%), 14 (21%), and seven (10%), respectively. Serum CMV immunoglobulin (Ig)G/IgM and EBV viral capsid antigen IgG/IgM were measured in 40 (CMV DNA positive, n = 10; negative, n = 30) and 45 (EBV DNA positive, n = 14; negative, n = 31) of the 68 children, respectively. Eighteen percent (CMV, 7/40) and 9% (EBV, 4/45) were positive for both PCR and viral-specific IgM. There was no significant difference in CMV and EBV viral load between IgM-positive and -negative children with viremia.
CONCLUSIONS
CMV, EBV, and HHV-6 DNA were frequently detected in immunocompetent children with acute liver dysfunction, but primary CMV and EBV infection were confirmed in 10-20% of the children with acute liver dysfunction. The combination of PCR assay and serology is necessary to make a diagnosis of acute liver dysfunction due to primary CMV, EBV and/or HHV-6 infection in immunocompetent children.
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