What are the potential causes of elevated alanine transaminase (ALT)/aspartate transaminase (AST) in an 8-month-old female with bronchiolitis due to parainfluenza virus, adenovirus, human metapneumovirus, and rhinovirus?

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Differential Diagnosis for Liver Enzyme Elevation in an 8-Month-Old Female with Bronchiolitis

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Viral hepatitis: The patient is already infected with multiple viruses (parainfluenza virus, adenovirus, human metapneumovirus, and rhinovirus), which could potentially cause liver enzyme elevation due to viral hepatitis.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Medication-induced liver injury: The patient may be receiving medications for her bronchiolitis, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, which can cause liver enzyme elevation.
  • Metabolic disorders: Certain metabolic disorders, such as mitochondrial disorders or fatty acid oxidation disorders, can present with liver enzyme elevation and may be exacerbated by illness.
  • Congenital infections: Congenital infections, such as congenital CMV or toxoplasmosis, can cause liver enzyme elevation and may not have been previously diagnosed.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Biliary atresia: A condition where the bile ducts are blocked, leading to liver damage and enzyme elevation. Although rare, it is a serious condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
  • Neonatal hemochromatosis: A condition where there is excessive iron accumulation in the liver, leading to liver damage and enzyme elevation.
  • Sepsis: Bacterial sepsis can cause liver enzyme elevation and is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency: A genetic disorder that can cause liver enzyme elevation and liver disease.
  • Glycogen storage diseases: A group of genetic disorders that can cause liver enzyme elevation and liver disease.
  • Wilson's disease: A genetic disorder that can cause liver enzyme elevation and liver disease due to excessive copper accumulation.
  • Autoimmune hepatitis: A condition where the immune system attacks the liver, leading to liver enzyme elevation and liver damage.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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