| Theme |
Liver in Infection Diseases |
| Title |
Liver Function Test Abnormalities and Bacterial Pneumonia (Mycoplasma, Legionella) |
| Author |
Satoru Itoyama |
Department of Infectious Diseases, Internal Medicine, University of Tokyo |
| Author |
Yuji Morisawa |
Department of Infectious Diseases, Internal Medicine, University of Tokyo |
| [ Summary ] |
Pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae or the Legionella species is sometimes complicated with liver function test abnormalities. The serum transaminase levels are usually lower than 100 KU. In pneumococcal pneumonia cases, the levels of bilirubintend to elevate to somewhat higher levels, as compared to those seen in other types of pneumonia. Liver function test abnormalities in pneumonia cases are usually find when pneumonia is diagnosed. However, in Mycoplasma pneumonia, the abnormalities may be found when pneumonia has improved in clinical terms. Factors which induce liver function test abnormalities in pneumonia patients include bacterial endotoxins, fever, hemolysis, decreased hepatic blood flow, hepatic hypoxia, and metabolic abnormalities. Liver damages in pneumonia cases have little influence on mortality. |