Management of chronic viral hepatitis in children

Chronic viral hepatitis is prevalent worldwide in the pediatric population and can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Acquisition of disease in early childhood may predispose children to long-term complications, including cirrhosis and HCC. Efforts should be made to recognize, control, and prevent further spread of these infections, especially in areas where hepatitis is endemic. Alpha interferon therapy hastens disease remission in a proportion of patients with chronic hepatitis B. Further studies are needed to define the role of interferon in chronic HDV and HCV infection in children.

Author: Conjeevaram HS, Di Bisceglie AM, Liver Diseases Section, National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Source: J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 20: 365-375 (1995)

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