Acute Viral Hepatitis in Pediatric Age Groups

Authors

  • Sudhamshu KC Liver Unit, National Academy of Medical Sciences. Bir Hospital, Kathmandu
  • Dilip Sharma Liver Unit, National Academy of Medical Sciences. Bir Hospital, Kathmandu
  • Nandu Silwal Department of Medicine, National Academy of Medical Sciences. Bir Hospital, Kathmandu
  • Bhupendra Kumar Basnet Department of Medicine, Bir Hospital, National Academy of Medical Sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31729/jnma.2290

Abstract

Introduction: Our clinical experience showed that there has been no decrease in pediatric cases of acute viral hepatitis in Kathmandu. The objective of the study was to analyze the etiology, clinical features, laboratory parameters, sonological findings and other to determine the probable prognostic factors of Acute Viral Hepatitis in pediatric population.

Methods: Consecutive patients of suspected Acute Viral Hepatitis, below the age of 15 years, attending the liver clinic between January 2006 and December2010were studied. After clinical examination they were subjected to blood tests and ultrasound examination of abdomen. The patients were divided in 3 age groups; 0–5, 5–10 and 5–15 years. Clinical features, laboratory parameters, ultrasound findings were compared in three age groups.

Results: Etiology of Acute Viral Hepatitis was Hepatitis A virus 266 (85%), Hepatitis E virus in 24 (8%), Hepatitis B virus in 15 (5%). In 7(2%) patients etiology was unknown. Three patients went to acute liver failure but improved with conservative treatment. There was no statistical difference in most of the parameters studied in different age groups. Ascites was more common in 5-10 years age group. Patients with secondary bacterial infection, ultrasound evidence of prominent biliary tree and ascites were associated with increased duration of illness. Patients with history of herbal medications had prolonged cholestasis.

Conclusions: Hepatitis A is most common cause of Acute Viral Hepatitis in pediatric population. Improper use of herbal medications, secondary bacterial infection and faulty dietary intake was associated with prolonged illness. Patients with prominent biliary radicals should be treated with antibiotics even with normal blood counts for earlier recovery.

Keywords: Acute viral hepatitis; hepatitis A; hepatitis E; herbal medications.

Author Biographies

Sudhamshu KC, Liver Unit, National Academy of Medical Sciences. Bir Hospital, Kathmandu

Associate Professor

Liver Unit, National Academy of Medical Sciences. Bir Hospital, Kathmandu

Dilip Sharma, Liver Unit, National Academy of Medical Sciences. Bir Hospital, Kathmandu

Assistant Professor

Liver Unit, National Academy of Medical Sciences. Bir Hospital, Kathmandu

Nandu Silwal, Department of Medicine, National Academy of Medical Sciences. Bir Hospital, Kathmandu

Assitant Professor

Department of Medicine, National Academy of Medical Sciences. Bir Hospital, Kathmandu

References

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Published

2014-03-31

How to Cite

KC, S., Sharma, D., Silwal, N., & Basnet, B. K. (2014). Acute Viral Hepatitis in Pediatric Age Groups. Journal of Nepal Medical Association, 52(193), 687–691. https://doi.org/10.31729/jnma.2290

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