Isoniazid-induced hepatotoxicity in children with latent tuberculosis infection.

BACKGROUND

We aimed to determine overall incidence of severe and mild isoniazid (INH) hepatotoxicity and outcome of hepatotoxicity in children who were receiving INH for latent tuberculosis.

METHODS

Patients who had received isoniazid for treatment of latent tuberculosis were included in the study. Hepatotoxicity was classified according to the World Health Organization Toxicity Classification Standards.

RESULTS

Among 1038 patients, overall hepatotoxicity was observed in 22 patients (2.2%), while 5 patients (0.48%) had moderate-severe hepatotoxicity; while other 17 patients had grade I-II hepatotoxicity (1.63%). Age and gender did not appear to be risk factors for hepatotoxicity. The median time for therapy rechallenge in patients with grade III-IV hepatotoxicity was 21 days (ranging from 14 to 25 days).

CONCLUSIONS

Isoniazid hepatotoxicity is lower and generally reversible after cessation of INH in children. The grade of hepatotoxicity affects the duration for recovery of hepatotoxicity and restarting of INH therapy.