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Hepatitis C viral recurrence in a pediatric patient following liver transplantation

Ian W Udell1, Neal R Barshes, Milton J Finegold

  • 1Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.

Pediatric Transplantation
|July 22, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) recurrence after pediatric liver transplant can lead to serious complications like ascites and esophageal varices. Further studies are needed to understand HCV recurrence in children post-transplant.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Virology
  • Pediatric Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections typically follow a milder course in children compared to adults.
  • While HCV recurrence post-liver transplantation is well-documented in adults, data on pediatric patients remains limited.

Observation:

  • A case report details a pediatric patient who underwent liver transplantation at 14 years old for presumed vertically transmitted HCV.
  • Initially, the patient experienced an uneventful three years post-transplant.
  • Subsequently, the patient developed ascites, hematemesis, and esophageal varices, requiring hospitalization.

Findings:

  • Post-transplant liver biopsies revealed chronic inflammation, active Hepatitis C virus infection, and stage 2-3 fibrosis.
  • These findings indicate significant HCV recurrence and disease progression in this pediatric liver transplant recipient.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the potential for severe HCV recurrence and complications in pediatric liver transplant recipients.
  • Further epidemiological research is crucial to elucidate the natural history and incidence of HCV recurrence in this vulnerable population.

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