Hepatitic C Infection in Children

Hepatitis C infection (HCV) is considered the most common reason for liver transplant in the United States. It is not known whether the risk of chronic disease and subsequent complications are higher for patients infected as newborns than for patients infected at an older age but it is thought that chronic hepatitis occurs in approximately 70% of patients infected with HCV. The clinical picture of HCV disease in children is indistinguishable from hepatitis A or B associated disease. Most paediatric patients are asymptomatic and only twenty five percent will develop mild jaundice. Elevations in alanine amino transferase (ALT) are generally lower than those seen with hepatitis B virus infection and normal liver enzymes do not necessariyl indicate viral clearance. All affected children should be vaccinated against hepatitis A and B viruses in order to prevent any additional liver damage. Older patients should be counseled to avoid hepatotoxic medications and alcohol .

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