Viral hepatitis in children: what do we know in 2021?

Viruses are a common cause of hepatitis in children. Hepatitis A and E cause acute infections while Hepatitis B, C and D can lead to chronic infection with increased morbidity and mortality due to chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma in later life. Acute infections may be fulminant causing acute liver failure necessitating a liver transplant. Our understanding of these viruses continues to evolve, and this review aims to summarize the current strategies in diagnosis, prevention and use of anti-viral drugs to treat these infections.