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An unusual presentation of perinatally transmitted hepatitis C
P Mohan1, R S Chandra, D E Kleiner
1Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's National Medical Center, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington DC 20001, USA. pmohan@cnmc.org
Insights
Perinatally acquired hepatitis C (HCV) can present uniquely in children with jaundice and aggressive liver disease. Early diagnosis requires confirmatory HCV testing, especially in cases of unexplained liver issues.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Viral Hepatitis
Background:
- Perinatally acquired hepatitis C (HCV) is often asymptomatic in childhood.
- Chronic liver disease in preadolescent children can have diverse etiologies.
- Cryptogenic liver disease presents diagnostic challenges in pediatric populations.
Observation:
- A case of perinatally acquired HCV in a previously asymptomatic preadolescent.
- The patient presented with acute jaundice and signs of chronic aggressive liver disease.
- Diagnosis was complicated by the unusual presentation and lack of typical risk factors.
Findings:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection was confirmed as the cause of the liver disease.
- The presentation mimicked other forms of chronic hepatitis, delaying diagnosis.
- Aggressive liver disease progression was noted despite perinatal acquisition.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering HCV in pediatric cryptogenic liver disease.
- Emphasizes the need for confirmatory HCV testing in unexplained pediatric liver conditions.
- Suggests that perinatal HCV can lead to severe liver disease even in preadolescence.
Abstract:
A unique presentation of perinatally acquired hepatitis C (HCV) with acute jaundice and chronic aggressive liver disease in a previously asymptomatic preadolescent is described. The difficulties in establishing the diagnosis and the importance of confirmatory testing for HCV in cryptogenic liver disease are discussed.