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HBsAg-positive giant cell hepatitis with cirrhosis in a 10-month-old infant
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|January 1, 1981
Insights
A Japanese boy developed acute hepatitis B from his carrier mother. Giant cell hepatitis with cirrhosis was diagnosed, and he cleared the virus by 19 months.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Perinatal transmission of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can lead to chronic infection.
- Maternal carriage of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and Hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg) increases transmission risk.
- Vertical transmission can result in severe liver disease in infants.
Observation:
- A Japanese infant born to an asymptomatic HBsAg and HBeAg carrier mother developed acute Hepatitis B at 6 months.
- Clinical presentation included hepatosplenomegaly and abnormal liver function tests.
- Liver biopsy revealed giant cell hepatitis with cirrhosis at 10 months of age.
Findings:
- Hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) was detectable from 6 to 19 months of age.
- The child did not develop antibodies to HBsAg (anti-HBs) or HBeAg (anti-HBe).
- Alternate-day prednisolone therapy was administered for 7 months.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for severe liver disease in infants with vertically transmitted Hepatitis B.
- Spontaneous clearance of Hepatitis B virus occurred despite initial severe pathology.
- Further research is needed on the long-term outcomes and management of such cases.
Abstract:
A Japanese boy, who was born to an asymptomatic HBsAg and HBeAg carrier mother, developed acute type B hepatitis at age 6 months. Hepatosplenomegaly and abnormal liver function tests persisted. Liver biopsy at 10 months showed giant cell hepatitis with cirrhosis. He was given alternate-day therapy with prednisolone for 7 months. HBsAg was detectable from ages 6 to 19 months, but not after. Anti-HBs and anti-HBe were not present at any time.