Hepatitis in children

Epidemic jaundice was first described by Hippocrates. Within approximately the past 10 years vaccines for HAV and HBV have been developed as have new diagnostic tests for HCV and HDV. Treatment of pediatric patients with interferon alpha-a and alpha-2b for chronic hepatitis C is promising (Ramos-Soriano and Schwarz, 1994). The focus of the 1990s has shifted toward antiviral therapy of chronic viral hepatitis. Katkov and Dienstag (1995) warn that the importance of vaccination should not be minimized. Vigilance on the part of health caregivers and involvement in environmental "clean-up" issues and health care policies to protect people from the possible serious consequences of liver infection are essential.