Transient dyslipidemia in childhood brucellosis

Aim: Brucellosis involves almost all organs, although the endocrine organs are more protected. Impairment of lipid metabolism is also a little-known problem. We aimed to investigate hormone levels and lipid metabolism in children with acute brucellosis. Material and Method: Forty-six children with acute brucellosis, who had never been treated for the disease, and 39 healthy children were prospectively investigated. They were compared in terms of liver functions, serum lipid profiles, and hormone levels. Results: The patients had higher levels of AST, ALT, and GGT (p=0.04, p=0.01, and p=0.01, respectively). The patients also had higher cholesterol and triglyceride, and lower LDL and HDL levels than healthy children. The difference between triglyceride levels was statistically significant (p=0.04). Serum hormone levels were similar between groups. With antibiotic treatment and lifestyle modifications, all abnormal laboratory parameters returned to normal. Discussion: Children with acute brucellosis should be monitored for dyslipidemia, which can be relieved with antibiotics and lifestyle changes without using lipid lowering agents. Investigation of hormone levels in these patients is necessary only if signs and symptoms suggest an endocrine abnormality.