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Acute Viral Hepatitis in Pediatric Age Groups

Sudhamshu Kc1, Dilip Sharma1, Nandu Poudyal1

  • 1Liver Unit, Department of Medicine, Bir Hospital, National Academy of Medical Sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal, 2Department of Medicine, Bir Hospital, National Academy of Medical Sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal.

JNMA; Journal of the Nepal Medical Association
|February 25, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis A is the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis in children in Kathmandu. Factors like herbal medication use and bacterial infections can prolong illness, suggesting early antibiotic treatment for certain cases.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Hepatology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Acute viral hepatitis remains a significant concern in pediatric populations, with no observed decrease in cases in Kathmandu.
  • Understanding the specific etiological agents and clinical presentations is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the etiology, clinical features, laboratory parameters, and sonological findings of acute viral hepatitis in children.
  • To identify prognostic factors influencing the duration and severity of illness in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • A consecutive series of pediatric patients (<15 years) with suspected acute viral hepatitis were studied from 2006-2010.
  • Patients underwent clinical examination, blood tests, and abdominal ultrasound, with data analyzed across three age groups (0-5, 5-10, 5-15 years).

Main Results:

  • Hepatitis A virus (HAV) was the predominant etiology (85%), followed by Hepatitis E virus (HEV) (8%) and Hepatitis B virus (HBV) (5%).
  • Ascites was more frequent in the 5-10 year age group. Secondary bacterial infections, prominent biliary radicals on ultrasound, and ascites correlated with longer illness duration.
  • History of herbal medication use was associated with prolonged cholestasis.

Conclusions:

  • Hepatitis A is the leading cause of acute viral hepatitis in the pediatric population studied.
  • Improper herbal medication use, secondary bacterial infections, and poor diet contribute to prolonged illness.
  • Prompt antibiotic treatment for prominent biliary radicals, even with normal blood counts, may expedite recovery.
Abstract

Keywords:
acute viral hepatitis; hepatitis A; hepatitis E; herbal medications.

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