Viral Hepatitis: Retrospective Review in a Canadian Pediatric Hospital. (19th December 2010)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cybulska, Paulina; Ni, Andy; Jimenez-Rivera, Carolina
• Other Names: Salazar-Lindo E. Academic Editor.; Trompeter R. S. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: ISRN pediatrics. Volume 2011(2011)
• Publication Date: 2010-12-19
• Subjects: Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Pediatrics; Pediatrics; Periodicals; 618.92
• DOI: 10.5402/2011/182964
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-469X

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction . Clinical presentation of viral hepatitis ranges from mild symptoms to fulminant hepatitis. Our aim is to describe clinical presentation and outcomes of children with viral hepatitis from the Eastern Ontario/Western Quebec regions of Canada. Methods . Retrospective chart review of children diagnosed with viral hepatitis at our institution from January 1, 1998, to December 31, 2007. Results . There were 261 charts reviewed, only 64 had a confirmed viral etiology: 34 (53%) hepatitis B (HBV), 16 (25%) hepatitis C (HCV), 4 (6.3%) hepatitis A (HAV), 7 (11%) cytomegalovirus (CMV), and 3 (4.7%) Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Children with HBV presented at a mean age of6.4 ± 4.6 years. Spontaneous seroconversion (appearance of HBVeAb and loss of HBVeAg) occurred in 21/34 (61.7%). Children with acute hepatitis (HAV, CMV, and EBV) presented with mild abdominal pain, jaundice, and fevers. Overall outcome was excellent. Conclusion . Acute and chronic hepatitis in children has a benign course; moreover, HBV spontaneous seroconversion is common in pediatric patients.