Serum ALT: LDH Ratio in Typhoid Fever and Acute Viral Hepatitis.

ABSTRACT

In 100 consecutive children aged below 18 years with confirmed typhoid fever, 29 had moderate hepatitis. Serum alanine amino transferase lactate dehydrogenase (ALT LDH) ratios of these 29 children at the time of hospitalization were compared with that of 29 children with acute viral hepatitis. The serum ALT LDH ratio levels (expressed in multiples of upper limit of normal) was found to be less than 9 in typhoid hepatitis and more than 9 in acute viral hepatitis. Serum ALT LDH ratio helps to differentiate typhoid hepatitis from acute viral hepatitis.