Benign transient hyperphosphatasemia associated with Epstein-Barr virus enteritis in a pediatric liver transplant patient: a case report

Transplant Proc. 2008 Jun;40(5):1780-2. doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2008.04.011.

Abstract

Transient hyperphosphatasemia was found in a 3-year-old male liver transplant recipient. The condition was associated with diarrheal disease due to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Immunosuppression was tapered and valganciclovir prescribed for 3 months, after which the diarrhea resolved and the EBV polymerase chain reaction assays became negative. After 6 months, alkaline phosphatase levels normalized. Isolated elevation of alkaline phosphatase in conjunction with enteric infection is a rare condition. No further diagnostic or therapeutic interventions except treatment of the underlying infection are needed, as this has been shown to be a benign, transient condition.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cholestasis / surgery*
  • Enteritis / virology*
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / complications*
  • Family
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Liver Transplantation* / immunology
  • Living Donors
  • Male
  • Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases / metabolism*
  • Phosphorus Metabolism Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Phosphorus Metabolism Disorders / enzymology
  • Phosphorus Metabolism Disorders / etiology
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnosis*
  • Tacrolimus / therapeutic use
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases
  • Tacrolimus