Median Total Duration Research Articles

ABSTRACT 674

Background and aims: Congenital metabolic disorders are a rare but important cause of critical illness in children. Practical challenges like obtaining vascular access in low birth weight children are common. Certain children need liver transplantation and intra-operative CVVH. Aims: To understand their demographic and treatment profile for outcome prediction and service provision in these patients. Methods: 31-bedded tertiary PICU in the UK with 1500 admissions/year. Retrospective analysis of the CVVH electronic database over the past 3 years. Results: 21 patients with congenital metabolic disorders underwent CVVH. The median age was 7 years (2 days-11 years) and weight 16Kg (1.8–29.3). Propionic acidaemia and primary hyperoxaluria were two of the common diagnoses. 3 patients were significantly coagulopathic. All patients were invasively ventilated and 4 patients needed inotropic support. 2 patients also underwent total plasma exchange on a total of 4 occasions. Maximum serum ammonia was 1200. The median total duration of CVVH was 70 hrs (29 - 552). The median PICU length of stay was 4 days (1 - 29). 2 children died, both within the first 48 hrs with multiorgan dysfunction, one had undergone liver transplantation in the preceding 24 hrs. 4 patients who survived had ongoing requirement for haemodialysis noted at PICU discharge. Conclusions: Patients with congenital metabolic disorders require prolonged CVVH therapy and PICU stay. Though survival good, many require multiple admissions and some undergo organ transplant. This data would be helpful when identifying their levels of intensity of intensive care and service provision. There is a need for a national / international database of children undergoing CVVH.

Symptoms from treatment with sunitinib or sorafenib: a multicenter explorative cohort study to explore the influence of patient-reported outcomes on therapy decisions

Optimal long-lasting treatment with sunitinib and sorafenib is limited by dose modifications (DMs) due to adverse events (AEs). These AEs may be underrecognized and their influence on health-related quality of life (HRQL) underestimated. Improved insight into the relationship between AEs and therapy decisions is needed. To improve decision making around managing symptoms and reduce DMs, this study was set up to explore the influence of patient-reported symptoms on therapy decisions. In this multicenter cohort study, patient characteristics, reasons for and different forms of used dose modifications, and AEs were prospectively obtained from cancer patients on sunitinib/sorafenib treatment. Used instruments to get insight into AEs were the patient-scored Utrecht Symptom Diary (USD) and the professional-scored Common Terminology Criteria for AEs version 3.0. Median total treatment duration in 42 patients was 16weeks. Median time till dose modification was 10weeks. DMs occurred mostly due to multiple mild AEs. By using the USD, a higher prevalence of most AEs was found compared to the literature. Sixty percent of the patients experienced a decreased HRQL due to multiple AEs. Because severe AEs due to sunitinib/sorafenib treatment seldom occur, it is more important to focus on treating and preventing multiple mild AEs with higher impact on HRQL, when trying to avoid dose modifications. Using patient self-reported measurement methods helps to early recognize symptoms and to differentiate among symptom intensities. This systematic approach might help to achieve the optimal dosing, which might improve PFS and OS.

G472 Use of Continuous Venovenous haemofiltration (CVVH) in patients with congenital metabolic disorders – A recent single-centre experience

IntroductionCongenital metabolic disorders are a rare but important cause of critical illness in children. Continuous venovenous haemofiltration (CVVH) is instituted as life-saving therapy for severe hyperammonaemia, metabolic acidosis and encephalopathy...

Burden of severe rotavirus disease leading to hospitalization assessed in a prospective cohort study in Sweden

The aim of this prospective cohort study was to estimate the burden of severe disease caused by rotavirus-induced gastroenteritis in Swedish children aged < 5 y. Rotavirus-positive children admitted to hospitals serving 3 geographical regions with 155,838 children aged < 5 y, were offered inclusion in this 1-year study. Rotavirus strains identified were genotyped using multiplex PCR. Disease progression was documented through interviews and chart reviews. In total, 604 children with rotavirus-induced gastroenteritis were included in the study. Forty-nine of 604 (8.1%) fulfilled the criteria for nosocomial infection. The minimum incidence was 388 per 100,000, with significant variability between study regions, ranging from 280 to 542 per 100,000. In all regions, the peak season occurred in February-April, but the season start varied, with first cases observed in October in the eastern region and December in the northern region. Genotypes identified differed between the regions: G1[P8] was most prevalent in all regions (77%), while the most varied pattern was observed in the western region, with G1[P8] observed in 61%, G4[P8] in 13%, G9[P8] in 10%, G2[P4] in 8%, and G3[P8] in 8% of the children. The median age of hospitalized children was 14 months and the median total duration of diarrhoea was 6.9 days. Sixty-eight percent reported a temperature > 38.5°C upon admission. Complications occurred in > 10% of the children, with hypertonic dehydration (32/604) and seizures (10/604) occurring most frequently. Rotaviruses may cause severe febrile acute gastroenteritis leading to dehydration requiring acute rehydration in hospital. In addition, further complications occurred in > 10% of hospitalized children.

Characteristics of Agranulocytosis as an Adverse Effect of Antithyroid Drugs in the Second or Later Course of Treatment

Agranulocytosis is a serious adverse effect of antithyroid drugs (ATDs) and mainly develops within three months after the start of uninterrupted ATD treatment. Agranulocytosis can also develop for the first time after interruption and subsequent resumption of the same ATD treatment. However, little is known with regard to agranulocytosis that develops after resumption of the same ATD treatment. We investigated the characteristics of patients who developed agranulocytosis during their second or later course of ATD treatment. A total of 81 patients at our hospital were diagnosed with ATD-induced agranulocytosis. In 14 of the cases (methimazole (MMI), n=10; propylthiouracil (PTU), n=4), the agranulocytosis developed for the first time in the context of the second or later course of treatment with the same ATD; those patients were designated the "resumed group." The 35 patients (MMI, n=28; PTU, n=7) who developed agranulocytosis during their first uninterrupted course of ATD therapy were designated the "first group." The median total duration of ATD treatment before the diagnosis of agranulocytosis was 559 days (range 86-1775 days), and the median interval between the final day of the previous course and the first day of the course in which agranulocytosis was diagnosed was 916.5 days (range 153-8110 days). There were no cases in which agranulocytosis developed when treatment with the same ATD was resumed after discontinuation for less than five months. The difference between the start of ATD treatment in the course in which agranulocytosis was diagnosed and the time interval at which agranulocytosis was diagnosed was similar when comparing the first group and the resumed group (39 (20-98) days in the first group vs. 32.5 (21-95) days in the resumed group; n.s.). There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of granulocyte count at the time agranulocytosis was diagnosed, mortality rate, or the interval between the diagnosis of agranulocytosis and recovery. When ATD treatment is resumed, patient follow-up is essential in order to monitor for the development of agranulocytosis.

External ventricular drain infections: risk factors and outcome.

External ventricular drainage (EVD) is frequently used in neurosurgery to drain cerebrospinal fluid in patients with raised intracranial pressure. We performed a retrospective single center study in order to evaluate the incidence of EVD-related infections and to identify underlying risk factors. 246 EVDs were placed in 218 patients over a 30-month period. EVD was continued in median for 7 days (range 1–44). The cumulative incidence of EVD-related infections was 8.3% (95% CI, 5.3–12.7) with a device-associated infection rate of 10.4 per 1000 drainage days (95% CI, 6.2–16.5). The pathogens most commonly identified were coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (62%) followed by Enterococcus spp. (19%). Patients with an EVD-related infection had a significantly longer ICU (11 versus 21 days, P < 0.01) and hospital stay (20 versus 28.5 days, P < 0.01) than patients without. Median total duration of external drainage was twice as long in patients with EVD-related infection (6 versus 12 days, P < 0.01). However, there was no significant difference in the duration between first EVD placement and the occurrence of EVD-related infection and EVD removal in patients without EVD-related infection (6 versus 7 days, P = 0.87), respectively. Interestingly no risk factor for EVD-related infection could be identified in our cohort of patients.

Clinical Impact Of Dose Modification On Response To Ponatinib In Patients With Chronic Phase Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CP-CML)

Clinical Impact Of Dose Modification On Response To Ponatinib In Patients With Chronic Phase Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CP-CML)

Ponatinib In Heavily Pretreated Patients With Chronic Phase Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CP-CML): Management Of Adverse Events (AEs)

Ponatinib In Heavily Pretreated Patients With Chronic Phase Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CP-CML): Management Of Adverse Events (AEs)

Daptomycin versus vancomycin for osteoarticular infections due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA): a nested case-control study.

Vancomycin is the standard antibiotic for the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. While daptomycin is approved for MRSA bacteremia, its effectiveness in osteoarticular infections (OAIs) has not been established. A 1:2 nested case-control study of adult patients with MRSA OAIs admitted to an academic center from 2005 to 2010 was carried out. Clinical outcomes and drug toxicity in patients treated with daptomycin versus vancomycin were compared. Twenty patients with MRSA OAIs treated with daptomycin were matched to 40 patients treated with vancomycin. The median age of the patients was 52 years (range, 25-90), and 40 (67%) were male. Most patients had osteomyelitis (82%), predominantly from a contiguous source (87%). Forty percent were diabetics. Diabetic patients were more likely to receive vancomycin than daptomycin [20 (50%) vs. 4 (20%); p = 0.03]. Vancomycin was more often combined with antibiotics other than daptomycin [22 (55%) vs. 5 (25%); p = 0.03]. The median total antibiotic treatment duration was 48 (daptomycin) vs. 46 days (vancomycin) (p = 0.5). Ninety percent of daptomycin-treated patients had previously received vancomycin for a median of 14.5 days (range, 2-36). Clinical success rates were similar between daptomycin and vancomycin at 3 months [15 (75%) vs. 27 (68%); p = 0.8] and 6 months [14 (70%) vs. 23 (58%); p = 0.5], even after propensity score-based adjustment for antibiotic assignment. The frequency of adverse events was similar between treatment groups [1 (5%) vs. 7 (18%); p = 0.2]. Daptomycin and vancomycin achieved similar rates of clinical success and drug tolerability. Daptomycin is a reasonable alternative for treating MRSA OAIs, particularly in patients where therapy with vancomycin has not been well tolerated.

High treatment success in children treated for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis: an observational cohort study

BackgroundFew studies have described the management of multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis (TB) in children and evidence-based guidance on management is lacking. We describe the presentation, treatment and outcome in children treated...

Impact of postoperative nutrition on weight gain in infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome

The study objective was to evaluate risk factors for poor weight gain in infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome after stage 1 palliation. We reviewed all term infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome who had stage 1 palliation and stage 2 palliation at Texas Children's Hospital between 2000 and 2011 (n=120). Predictor variables included age at stage 1 palliation, intensive care unit factors, calories delivered, and echocardiographic findings. Outcome variables included weight for age Z scores at hospital discharge, stage 2 palliation, and change in weight for age Z scores between stage 1 palliation and hospital discharge. Complete nutritional data were available for 47 of 120 patients. Median total parenteral nutrition duration was 6 days (range, 1-43 days), and median intensive care unit calories delivered was 53.9 kcal/kg/d (range, 22.3-119.6 kcal/kg/d). Before hospital discharge, the median caloric intake was 106.7 kcal/kg/d (range,70.0-152.0 kcal/kg/d). Median weight for age Z scores was -0.59 (range, -3.6 to 0.5) at stage 1 palliation, -1.62 (range, -4.5 to -0.1) at intensive care unit transfer, and -1.81 (range, -4.9 to -0.5) at hospital discharge. A total of 46 of 47 patients had a negative change in weight for age Z scores between stage 1 palliation and hospital discharge, with a median change of -1.14 (range, -2.3 to 0.6). Change in weight for age Z scores from stage 1 palliation to discharge was directly associated with calories delivered and indirectly associated with hospital length of stay and moderate tricuspid regurgitation (P<.001). Postoperative nutrition fails to meet the needs of infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome despite increased focus on nutritional support. Modifiable factors (eg, nutritional intake) and hemodynamic factors (eg, tricuspid regurgitation) may play roles in the poor weight gain of these infants.

Evaluation of Central Venous Pressure Monitoring in Children Undergoing Craniofacial Reconstruction Surgery

Massive hemorrhage during craniofacial surgery is common and often results in hypovolemia and hypotension. We conducted this study to assess the effect of the addition of routine central venous pressure (CVP) monitoring on the incidence of intraoperative hypotension and to evaluate the relationship between CVP and hypotension in this population. Data from our prospective craniofacial perioperative registry for children 6 to 24 months of age undergoing cranial vault reconstruction with CVP monitoring were compared with data from a historical cohort without CVP monitoring. The incidence and duration of hypotension in the 2 cohorts were compared. In the cohort of subjects with CVP monitoring who experienced hypotension, CVP at the onset of hypotension (T0) was compared with CVP 5 minutes before (T-5) and 5 minutes after (T+5) the onset of hypotension and with the baseline CVP. The amount of time spent at various CVP levels below the baseline, and the associated incidence of hypotension were also determined. Data from 57 registry subjects were compared with data from 115 historical cohort subjects. The median total duration of hypotension in subjects experiencing hypotension was 278 seconds in the CVP cohort versus 165 seconds in the historical cohort; the median difference was 98 seconds (95% confidence interval [CI], -45 to 345 seconds). The incidence of hypotension was 18% in the CVP cohort versus 21% in the historical cohort; the difference in the incidence of hypotension was -3% (95% CI, -10% to 15%). Analysis using a linear mixed effects model showed a significant decrease in CVP from T-5 to T0 (95% CI, -0.9 to -2.2 mm Hg), a significant increase in CVP from T0 to T+5 (95% CI, 1.0-2.4 mm Hg), no significant difference in CVP between T-5 and T+5 (95% CI, -0.9 to 0.9 mm Hg), and a significant decrease in CVP from baseline to T0 (95% CI, -3.4 to -2.1 mm Hg). CVP at T0 was less than the baseline CVP in 97% of hypotensive episodes. When all cases were examined, CVP was ≥3 mm Hg below the baseline for 16% of the total time studied, with an associated incidence of hypotension of 2%. The implementation of routine CVP monitoring was not associated with a decreased incidence and likely was not associated with a decreased duration of hypotension in this population experiencing massive hemorrhage. Hypotension was associated with a decrease in CVP, and resolution of hypotension was associated with an increase in CVP to prehypotensive levels. However, significant decreases in CVP below the baseline were common and usually not associated with hypotension. The routine use of CVP monitoring in these children is of questionable utility as a means to decrease the incidence and duration of hypotension.

"Wii-Hab" in critically ill children: A pilot trial

To evaluate the safety and feasibility of virtual reality (VR) exercise as a novel acute rehabilitation intervention in a Pediatric Critical Care Unit (PCCU) setting. Children aged 3-18 years with an anticipated PCCU stay > 48 hours, and baseline normal to moderate cognitive and functional disability were eligible. Exclusion criteria included: anticipated death, physical inability, or a contraindication to mobilization. Nintendo Wii™ Boxing was prescribed for a minimum of 10 minutes twice a day for 2 days. Primary outcomes were feasibility and safety. Of 21 eligible patients, 12 (57.1%) were enrolled and 8 completed the study. 41.7% (5/12) were males, and the median age was 11 (3,16) years. Four of the 8 participants who received the intervention were mechanically ventilated during Wii™ play. Participants used the Wii™ a median of 2 times (1,5) over the 2-day intervention period, for a median total duration of 54.5 (15, 224) minutes. There were no adverse events attributable to the intervention. Upper limb activity during Wii™ was significantly greater than the average daily activity (p=0.049). Grip strength did not change significantly from baseline (p=0.20). While the results of this pilot trial suggest that VR exercise may be safely applied in a subset of critically ill children, we observed several threats to its feasibility in this population.

HPV in Female Partners Increases Risk of Incident HPV Infection Acquisition in Heterosexual Men in Rural Central Mexico

Knowledge about the incidence, clearance, and factors associated with human papilloma virus (HPV) infection in men is lacking, and much of what is available focuses on high-risk groups. A prospective cohort study was carried out with 504 heterosexual males from Mexico State, Mexico. Participants were monitored for 4 years at intervals of approximately 4 months, with a median total duration of follow-up of 19.8 months. The presence of cervical HPV in female sexual partners was evaluated as a risk factor. HPV DNA testing was conducted using the polymerase chain reaction technique. Risk factors associated with the incidence and clearance of HPV infection were evaluated through survival analysis. The cumulative incidence of infection with any HPV type at 12 months was 15% [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.12-0.20]. About 72% of men with incident HPV cleared the infection by 12 months. The presence of cervical HPV in a man's female sex partner was the main determinant for males acquiring HPV infection of any type [adjusted HR (AHR), 2.1; 95% CI, 1.1-3.8] and oncogenic HPV infection (AHR, 4.1; 95% CI, 2.1-8.0), while having a history of anal sexual relations with women was statistically associated with acquiring nononcogenic HPV (AHR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.1-2.9). The incidence of genital HPV infection in this population is relatively low, with relatively quick acquisition and clearance rates. Cervical HPV infection in men's female sexual partners was the main risk factor for genital HPV infection in men.

Dosage and duration of antipsychotic treatment in demented outpatients with agitation or psychosis.

The USA Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued warnings regarding the use of antipsychotics in patients with dementia in 2003 and 2005. We aimed to study the dose and duration of antipsychotic treatment in dementia, and to examine whether physicians' prescription behaviors changed after the FDA warnings. Medical charts of outpatients who had Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, or mixed dementia were reviewed. Patients must have achieved a clinically stable state for at least 4 weeks after receiving antipsychotic treatment for agitation or psychosis. Demographics, clinical correlates, and duration of antipsychotic treatment were compared among different antipsychotic groups. Because the quetiapine group had the largest sample size, the optimal dose and duration of quetiapine treatment were compared among three time periods (before 2003, 2003-2005, after 2005). Stable state was achieved in 215 patients (80 had Alzheimer's disease, 117 vascular dementia, and 18 mixed dementia). Most patients (177) took quetiapine, 25 took risperidone, and 13 took sulpiride. The whole sample had a long total duration of antipsychotic treatment (median 525 days, mean 707 days). The median dose and total duration of antipsychotic treatment were 1.0mg/day and 238 days for risperidone, 100mg/day and 390 days for sulpiride, and 25mg/day and 611 days for quetiapine, respectively. The optimal dose and total duration of quetiapine treatment decreased significantly after FDA warning in 2005, although the duration remained long. The optimal doses of antipsychotics were not higher than those of western reports, but the total duration of antipsychotic treatment was quite long. Although our study suggests the prescription dosage and duration of antipsychotic treatment decreased significantly after FDA warning in 2005, the duration of treatment was still long. Given the serious safety concerns, more effort should be made to avoid unnecessary and prolonged prescription.

Laparoscopic bilateral native nephrectomies with simultaneous kidney transplantation

Study Type--Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4. What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Extirpation of polycystic kidneys for various medical reasons has been performed using many different approaches in attempts to limit morbidity from such a large operation. In indicated patients, it has usually been offered in a staged approach with renal transplantation to avoid graft complications. We published the first case of simultaneous laparoscopic bilateral native nephrectomy with kidney transplant in 2008. The present study shows our continued experience with offering this minimally invasive, single surgery alternative. The results are comparable to a staged laparoscopic approach with significantly shorter total hospital stay and one recovery for the patient and his/her family. • To analyse the perioperative outcomes of native bilateral laparoscopic nephrectomy (BLN) with simultaneous kidney transplantation. • From November 2000 to April 2011, 37 patients were seen for renal failure secondary to autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and underwent renal transplant with native nephrectomies at a single tertiary academic centre. • In all, 15 patients underwent BLN for ADPKD followed by simultaneous kidney transplantation. • The other 22 patients underwent BLN for ADPKD with kidney transplant performed at a separate setting. • Demographic data, perioperative outcomes, complications regardless of need for intervention, and graft function were analysed in both groups. • The combined surgery was completed without intraoperative complication in all cases. • The median total operative duration was 372 min, estimated blood loss was 300 mL with two patients requiring transfusion, and the median (range) hospital stay was 5 (3-7) days. • All patients had immediate graft function with additional relief of compressive symptoms. • In comparison to our staged cohort, the simultaneous group had a significantly shorter total hospital stay. • All other outcomes and complication rates were comparable. • In ADPKD, a less invasive laparoscopic approach for native nephrectomies with simultaneous renal transplant offers comparable morbidity without graft compromise and the convenience of one operation and one recovery for the patient.

Long‐term outcomes of add‐on adefovir dipivoxil therapy to ongoing lamivudine in patients with lamivudine‐resistant chronic hepatitis B

Add-on adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) therapy has been a standard rescue treatment for patients with lamivudine (LAM)-resistant chronic hepatitis B, but the overall benefits of long-term add-on ADV therapy are still limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term efficiency of add-on ADV treatment and to explore predictive factors associated with it. A total of 158 patients with LAM-resistant chronic hepatitis B were included in this retrospective, multicenter, nationwide study in Japan. After confirming LAM resistance, ADV was added to LAM treatment. Three types of events were considered as outcomes: virological response, hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) clearance and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalization. Virological response was defined as serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels of less than 3 log copies/mL. Baseline factors contributing to these outcomes were examined by univariate and multivariate analyses. The median total duration of ADV treatment was 41 months (range, 6-84). The rate of virological response was 90.8% at 4 years of treatment; HBeAg clearance and ALT normalization were achieved by 34.0% and 82.7%, respectively, at the end of follow up. Each outcome had different predictive factors: baseline HBV DNA and albumin level were predictive factors for virological response, history of interferon therapy and ALT level for HBeAg clearance, and sex and baseline albumin level for ALT normalization. Long-term add-on ADV treatment was highly effective in LAM-resistant chronic hepatitis B patients in terms of virological and biochemical responses. Lower HBV replication and lower albumin level at baseline led to better outcomes.

Is 7-day event triggered ECG recording equivalent to 7-day Holter ECG recording for atrial fibrillation screening?

ObjectiveProlonged ECG monitoring is standard for atrial fibrillation (AF) screening. This study investigated whether 7-day event triggered (tECG) ECG recording is equivalent to 7-day continuous Holter (cECG) ECG recording for...

無動性無言状態にいたったプリオン病患者の臨床経過と治療に関する検討

Twelve cases (one Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker syndrome (P102L; definite), one genetic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) (V180I; definite) and ten sporadic CJD (7 MM1-type definite, 3 probable)), who reached the akinetic mutism state, were investigated with regard to their clinical course and treatment. They were hospitalized for a total of 3,968 days in the akinetic mutism state. In the nine definite cases, the median period from the akinetic mutism state to death was 22 months (average: 27.0 ± 23.3 months, range: 3-80 months) and median total disease duration was 27 months (average: 34.2 ± 30.1 months, range: 5-102 months). In the seven definite sporadic CJD cases, the median period from akinetic mutism to death was 21 months (average: 17.0 ± 9.6 months, range 3-28 months), and median total disease duration was 24 months (average: 20.6 ± 10.0 months, range: 5-31 months). Nasal-tube feeding was performed in all cases. Symptomatic treatments such as parenteral nutrition and antibiotic drugs were administered for complications such as respitory and urinary tract infections and digestive symptoms. Patients received rehabilitation and hot spring therapy regularly until death. Gastrostomy and/or tracheotomy was not performed in any case, the patients were not intubated nor was mechanical ventilation (including non-invasive positive pressure ventilation) applied. Vasoactive drugs were not administered. Clonazepam was administered for myoclonus in four patients but not in another three when myoclonus appeared. It is unclear whether the treatment influenced the duration of myoclonus. Our observations indicate that the extended survival period among Japanese prion disease patients is likely due to the management procedures implemented for prion disease in Japan, which are usually continued after the patients reach the akinetic mutism state. We speculate that nasal-tube feeding is the crucial factor that results in the prolonged disease duration of prion disease patients in the akinetic mutism state.

Plasma Real Time-Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction of Epstein-Barr Virus in Immunocompetent Patients with Hepatitis

Purpose: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) hepatitis is a usually asymptomatic and self-limiting disease in immunocompetent patients. However, the range of severity is wide, and the serological diagnosis is typically difficult until the convalescent phase. Thus, we examined the value of plasma EBV DNA real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in EBV hepatitis for the timely diagnosis and the relationship between EBV viral load and clinical severity. Methods: Sixty samples were confirmed as having EBV infection by RT-qPCR with the EBV BALF5 gene sequence. We examined the clinical characteristics of EBV hepatitis by reviewing medical records. Results: The median total duration of fever was 8 days (range: 0-13 days). The mean peak value of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was 241±214 U/L, and the mean peak value of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was 298±312 U/L. There was no correlation between the serum levels of liver enzyme and plasma EBV DNA titer (p=0.1) or between median total duration of fever and EBV DNA titer (p=0.056). The median age of the EBV VCA IgM-negative group was lower compared with the EBV VCA IgM-positive group in EBV hepatitis (2 years vs. 6 years, p=0.0009). Conclusion: The severity of EBV hepatitis does not correlate with circulating EBV DNA load according to our data. Furthermore, we suggest that plasma EBV PCR may be valuable in young infants in whom the results of serology test for EBV infection commonly are negative. (Pediatr Gastroenterol Hepatol Nutr 2012; 15: 38∼43)