Serum pancreatic enzymes in human immunodeficiency virus-infected children. A collaborative study of the Italian Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

BACKGROUND

Numerous studies have shown pancreatic disease in adult human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients, but there are very few reports on pediatric patients. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of increased serum pancreatic enzyme levels and their relationship to clinical manifestations of acute pancreatitis in HIV-infected children.

METHODS

Forty-seven consecutive, symptomatic HIV-infected children (24 male; median age, 7.3 years; range, 1-17 years) and 45 sex- and age-matched controls without gastroenterologic disease were enrolled. In all subjects serum total amylase, pancreatic amylase, and lipase were assayed with commercial kits. The following were recorded: disease progression (CDC class), nutritional status (weight Z-score), CD4 lymphocyte count, drug treatment during the previous 12 months, presence of opportunistic infections, clinical evidence of acute pancreatitis (increased serum pancreatic enzymes associated with vomiting, abdominal distention, and intolerance when eating).

RESULTS

Ten of 47 HIV patients had increased serum total amylase values; however fewer patients had increased specific pancreatic enzymes: 6 of 47 for pancreatic amylase (range, 1.8- to 19.8-fold normal limit) and 7 of 47 for lipase (range, 1.4- to 4-fold normal limit). Values were normal in all controls. Two HIV patients with increased total amylase had clinically evident parotid inflammation. None of the patients with increased serum pancreatic amylase and/or lipase had clinical symptoms of acute pancreatitis. Regression analysis showed no correlation between increased serum pancreatic enzyme levels and disease progression (CDC class), immunologic status (CD4 count), nutritional status, drug administration, or opportunistic infections.

CONCLUSIONS

Fifteen per cent of HIV-infected children had biochemical evidence of pancreatic involvement; however, this condition was unrelated to clinical signs of pancreatitis. Neither drug administration nor opportunistic infections seem to determine the increased serum pancreatic enzyme levels.