Liver aminotransferases in under-five HIV-positive children on HAART.

Abstract

Background: Higher mortality rates were reported in developing countries during early months of HAART initiation than in developed countries. The study aimed at assessing the effect of Highly Active Antirctroviral Therapy (HAART) on liver function of under-fives. Method: Two hundred and thirty-eight under-flves children were enrolled from five hospitals in Southern Nigeria. Ethical permission and written consent were obtained. Group A involved 91 scropositive-children on HAART regimen while Group B1 involved 24 scronegative-infants who received nevirapine from birth till age 6-week. Group 132 (18) and B3 (48) involved scronegative-children who received co-trimoxazole and were 6-month and 18-month old respectively. Group C involved 11 scropositive-children who received co-trimoxazole only. Group D involved 46 scronegative-children who served as the control group. A2ml blood sample was obtained from each participant during first phase of the study and was analysed for alanine aminotransferas e (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) using kits manufactured by Randox". Group A children returned for second and third phases of the study after 3-month and 6-month respectively. Data were analysed by using ANOVA. Results'. The results showed that ALT was highest in group A (12.8±11 .OIU/L) suggesting hepatotoxicity while AST was highest in group 132 (35.4±53.1 IU/ L). Second phase, ALT and AST of group A were significantly reduced by 39.3% (p<0.()5), 29.9% (p<0.05) respectively suggesting resolved hepatotoxicity. Third phase, ALT and AST were significantly reduced by 50.6% (p<0.05) and 32.2%(p<0.05) respectively suggesting resolved hepatotoxicity. Conclusion: Hepatotoxicity observed among HIV infected children on HAART was resolved after 6 month of monitoring.