Elevated Liver Enzymes Scientific Study March 2003

This scientific study was done because in 2003 there was no recent data
on liver histopathology for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
patients.  The children were aged 3.5 to 17.6 and they studied 27 children.

Liver histology after current intensified therapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: microvesicular fatty change and siderosis are the main findings.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

During modern intensified therapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) serum liver enzymes reach fairly high levels. Since no recent data on liver histopathology after therapy are available, we conducted a study of the subject.

CONCLUSIONS  Microvesicular fatty change and siderosis are the main liver findings after current therapy for childhood ALL. Fibrosis occurs rarely. High values in serial serum ALT measurements repeatedly or a disturbed serum lipid profile may facilitate decisions about the need for a liver biopsy.  None of the patients had entirely normal liver histology.

Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Med Pediatr Oncol. 2003 Mar;40(3):148-54.

• 1Paediatric Research Centre, Medical School, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland. paivi.halonen@kotiposti.net

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12518342