Hepatitis-E-induced cholestasis in a child: a case report

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major cause of epidemic water-borne hepatitis in tropical and subtropical countries in areas with poor sanitary conditions. The infection by HEV in children is frequent but typically asymptomatic or manifested only as a very mild disease without jaundice, and usually, it often goes undiagnosed. In this case report, the authors describe a case of hepatitis-E-induced cholestasis in a child.

An 8-year-old male child presented to a Pediatrics emergency with fever and features of acute cholestasis. On abdominal examination, there was non-tender hepatomegaly. The rest of the systemic examinations were normal. Ultrasonography findings were suggestive of acute hepatitis. The liver biopsy report showed hepatic cholestasis and hepatitis. The serological test for hepatitis E IgM was positive. The child was managed symptomatically.

Although cholestasis is uncommon in children with HEV infection, it should be considered for non-improving clinical status in children with hepatitis. Also, patients with jaundice and Hepatitis E should be followed up by treating physicians until resolution occurs. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case report from Nepal describing cholestasis in a child due to HEV infection.