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Progress and Barriers Towards Elimination of Chronic Hepatitis C in Children

Magdalena Pluta1,2, Maria Pokorska-Śpiewak1,2, Małgorzata Aniszewska1,2

  • 1Department of Children's Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.

Klinische Padiatrie
|December 18, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) in children, primarily from mother-to-child transmission (MTCT), can lead to serious liver disease. Direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) offer a promising treatment, but cost remains a barrier to eradicating this infection.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Virology
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is a significant global health issue, with mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) being the primary cause of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in children.
  • While spontaneous viral clearance can occur in early childhood, it is rare later on, and untreated infections may lead to severe adult liver complications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of HCV epidemiology, diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment in pediatric populations.
  • To identify existing therapeutic challenges and obstacles to the complete eradication of HCV in children.

Main Methods:

  • This review synthesizes current knowledge on HCV in children.
  • It examines epidemiological data, diagnostic approaches, monitoring strategies, and therapeutic options, including direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs).

Main Results:

  • Direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) have revolutionized CHC treatment, offering highly effective, well-tolerated, oral, and interferon-free short-duration regimens.
  • Despite treatment advancements, high costs may limit access to DAAs, posing a barrier to widespread implementation.

Conclusions:

  • DAAs present a significant opportunity for HCV elimination at a population level, even in children.
  • Addressing the high cost of DAAs and other access barriers is crucial for achieving HCV eradication in pediatric populations.

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