Liver impairment in children with acute leukemia

Abstract

Liver impairment was investigated in 27 leukemic children during therapy and after its withdrawal. The following data were found: (i) Biochemical alterations of liver function tests lasting more than four months in 44% of the cases; (ii) serological positivity of HBV infection in eight children; (iii) positivity of HBsAg on the hepatic cells in one patient; (iv) mild hepatic lesions in the biopsy specimens of all but one patient; (v) regression of biochemical abnormalities after the withdrawal of therapy in most cases. It is concluded that hepatic impairment is generally mild and transient and may be due to the toxic effect of antileukemic treatment.

Key Words:

• Acute leukemia
• chemotherapy
• liver disease