An unusual presentation of perinatally transmitted hepatitis C

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.