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Hepatitis in children with thalassemia major
G Nigro1, G Taliani, U Bartmann
1Pediatric Institute of La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
Archives of Virology. Supplementum
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Transfusion-dependent thalassemia patients face high hepatitis risks. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a frequent cause of non-A, non-B hepatitis in these children, alongside Hepatitis C Virus (HCV).
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hematology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hepatology
Background:
- Thalassemia major patients require frequent blood transfusions, increasing their risk of post-transfusion hepatitis.
- Viral hepatitis remains a significant concern in transfusion-dependent pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of viral hepatitis, specifically Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), in transfusion-dependent children with thalassemia major.
- To identify the common causative agents of non-A, non-B hepatitis in this high-risk group.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 36 transfusion-dependent children with thalassemia major was monitored for evidence of viral hepatitis.
- Serological tests for anti-CMV and anti-HCV antibodies were performed.
- Alanine transaminase (ALT) levels were assessed to evaluate liver function.
Main Results:
- Among 23 children with elevated ALT levels, 17 tested positive for anti-CMV and 12 for anti-HCV; 9 were positive for both.
- In 13 children with normal ALT levels, 5 tested positive for CMV and 3 for HCV.
- CMV infection was detected in a significant proportion of children, irrespective of ALT levels.
Conclusions:
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a prevalent cause of non-A, non-B hepatitis in transfusion-dependent children with thalassemia major.
- Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) also contributes to hepatitis in this population.
- Routine screening for CMV and HCV is crucial for managing hepatitis risk in thalassemic patients.