Antituberculosis Drug-induced Liver Injury in Children: Incidence and Risk Factors During the Two-month Intensive Phase of Therapy

Background: As one of the most frequent and serious adverse reactions during tuberculosis (TB) treatment, antituberculosis drug-induced liver injury (ATLI) in children has been studied insufficiently compared with adults. We aimed to determine the incidence and risk factors of ATLI in children during the first 2 months of TB therapy. Methods: A total of 41 children with TB and treated with first-line anti-TB drugs were prospectively followed-up for the development of ATLI. Liver function tests were performed at baseline and after 2 weeks of therapy. Subsequent tests were conducted at 4, 6 and 8 weeks if the initial 2-week measurement was abnormal or if symptoms of hepatotoxicity were reported. Results: ATLI was detected in 11 (27%) patients within 14 to 42 days from the start of therapy, with most of them (54%) occurred after 2 weeks. TB treatment was stopped immediately in 6 of 11 patients who developed ATLI, and no recurrent hepatotoxicity after drug reintroductions in these patients. Univariate analysis showed that ATLI was significantly associated with TB meningitis (P
Source: The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal - Category: Infectious Diseases Tags: Antimicrobial Reports Source Type: research