Particular issues of liver function in children with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Introduction. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is referred to be as an autoimmune inflammatory connective tissue disorder. Liver has important role in proteins metabolism and inflammatory process.

Objective. Assessment of liver function in children with SLE with due regard to disease duration was goal of the research.

Materials and methods. The study involved 12 children with SLE aged from 7 to 18 years. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to disease duration. First group cases with anamnesis up to 5 years were added and 2nd group contained patients with disease duration from 5 to 11 years. Liver function was investigated by measurement of alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), haptoglobin, triglycerides, gamma glutamine transferase (GGT), apolipoprotein-A (Apo-A), a2-macroglobulin, cholesterine levels. The equation for calculating the FibroTest score regression coefficient had been done according U.S. patent 6,631,330.

Results. 33 % of patients had enlargement of liver in both comparative groups according physical examination and ultrasound (US). The level of a2-macroglobulin, Apo-A, total bilirubin did not depend on duration of disease and was within normal limits. 8 % of children with SLE had increased GGT content. Frequency of increased rate of haptoglobin was the same in the both groups (17 %) and also was associated with prolonged inflammatory process. Half of patients in both groups had increased level of cholesterine and 17 % of children were presented with increased triglycerides rate. It can be assessed as a risk of yearly development of atherosclerosis. In spite of involvement of liver, which was proved by physical examination, US and biochemical tests, nobody from investigated patients had fibrosis (corresponding to Fibro Test).

Conclusion. Children with SLE have risk of atherosclerosis development. Liver function damage does not depend on SLE duration. Liver fibrosis was not diagnosed in patients with long duration of disease.