Effects of Rifampin(RMP) on Liver Function in Tuberculous Children

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the hepatotoxicity of RMP in tuberculous children during treatment, liver function tests were performed regularly in 40 children who visited or admitted in Chonnam University Medical School Hospital and Mok-po Children's Tuberculosis Hospital from January 1979 to August 1980. The subjects were divided into three groups according to the administered regimens which were INH+EMB or PAS, INH+RMP(10??15mg/kg) and INH+RMP(16??20)mg/kg respectively. The mean observation period wart 16 weeks and the obtained results were compared between each group which were summerized as follows; 1) Significant increase of serum transaminase activity was noted in the patients who received RMP. 2) Increase of serum transaminase activity developed within 4 weeks after the administration of RMP and the mean value was highest in the second week. 3) The incidence of increased serum transaminase activity was slightly higher in the female subjects. 4) No relationship could be found between the increase of serum transaminase activity and the dosage of RMP. 5) Serum alkaline phosphatase showed no significant difference among three groups. 6) Serum bilirubin concentration was not increased in all subjects.