Pattern and Significance of Asymptomatic Elevation of Liver Enzymes in Mycoplasma Pneumonia in Children

Abstract

Mycoplasma infection is on the rise in recent times. It usually infects any system, including liver. This study aims to show the significance of elevated liver enzymes in mycoplasma pneumonia and to have a look at future prospects. This is a single-center retrospective study involving 105 children serologically positive for mycoplasma IgM and IgG antibodies and 50 with community-acquired pneumonia caused by organisms other than mycoplasma and Epstein-Barr virus from June 2015 to June 2016 and all without prior liver disease. The patients were followed after 10 days (7-14 days). The liver enzymes were significantly elevated in Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. The mean levels of alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase were 39.3 and 32.5 IU/L, respectively. There was a seasonal variation during the months of September and February. Liver involvement in mycoplasma pneumonia is mostly a benign condition and asymptomatic. It is insisted that children with continued elevation should be followed conservatively to avoid unnecessary diagnostic procedures in the future.