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Paediatric hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus infections: An observational study of a Danish cohort.

Authors :
Norden C
Malham M
Nordly S
Grosen D
Kvistgaard H
Kjaer MS
Brix Christensen V
Source :
Acta paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992) [Acta Paediatr] 2020 Dec; Vol. 109 (12), pp. 2694-2698. Date of Electronic Publication: 2020 Jul 01.
Publication Year :
2020

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics in children with either chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Denmark.<br />Methods: In this observational study, children and adolescents with either chronic HBV or HCV infection followed at the largest paediatric departments in Denmark between 2001 and 2013 were included. Data collection included as well epidemiological data as clinical data like virus genotype, viral load, serological markers, liver biochemistry, liver elastography and histology if available.<br />Results: The study included 131 children. None of the patients had decreased liver function or end-stage liver disease during follow-up. Ten of the 18 children who underwent liver biopsy had signs of fibrosis. Thirteen (11%) children with HBV and one (7%) child with HCV received treatment. Different indications and different treatment regimens were used.<br />Conclusion: This study confirms that chronic HBV and HCV infections are often mild diseases during childhood. Nevertheless, children are at higher risk of serious liver disease early in life because of the early time of infection and probably also because of the high viral loads.<br /> (© 2020 Foundation Acta Paediatrica. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1651-2227
Volume :
109
Issue :
12
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Acta paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
32506543
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1111/apa.15403