Background: Rotavirus infection is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in children. In our study, we investigated whether changes in hepatic biomarkers measured during rotavirus infection were significantly different between stem cell transplant recipients and the normal population, before, during and after infection.
Methods: Rotavirus-infected children who had previously undergone allogeneic stem cell transplantation and rotavirus-infected otherwise healthy children were included. Data were collected retrospectively, including demographic, transplant and laboratory parameters as well as disease outcome measures. We analyzed the aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, conjugated bilirubin, albumin and immunoglobulin G serum levels in the TX group before, during and after the rotavirus infection.
Results: In the TX versus ROTA group, we found a significantly higher value in the following parameters: ASAT, ALAT, total bilirubin and conjugated bilirubin. Significantly lower albumin and globulin levels were observed in the TX group than in the ROTA group. Furthermore, a significantly longer disease duration was observed in the TX group. In the TX group, significant difference was found comparing the ASAT, GGT and ALP levels before, during and after rotavirus infection.
Conclusions: Based on our data, more pronounced liver involvement can be observed during rotavirus infection in children undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; therefore, a possible hepatotropic behavior of the virus may be postulated in this setting.
Keywords: hepatitis; immunosuppression; rotavirus; transaminase; transplantation.
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