[Hepatitis C infection in children]

Ugeskr Laeger. 2014 Apr 14;176(8):V02130136.
[Article in Danish]

Abstract

Chronic hepatitis C (HCV) infection has a prevalence of 2-3% worldwide. The vertical transmission rate is approximately 5%. There is no evidence to recommend abstinence from breastfeeding or elective C-section to prevent transmission. In children, the natural history of HCV infection is typically benign, but liver cirrhosis and hepatocellulary carcinoma are later complications. Children with HCV infection may benefit from early treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin with duration depending on genotype. Overall, response to antiviral treatment of HCV infected children is comparable to results in adults.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alanine Transaminase / blood
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Disease Progression
  • Elasticity Imaging Techniques / instrumentation
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic* / blood
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic* / complications
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic* / diagnosis
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Infant

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Alanine Transaminase