Overview
The majority of acute viral hepatitis infections are asymptomatic or they can cause an anicteric illness that may not be diagnosed as hepatitis.
Hepatitis A generally causes minor illness in childhood with >80% of infections being asymptomatic. Jaundice and intestinal symptoms usually resolve 2-3 weeks after onset. A patient is infectious 1-2 weeks prior to the clinical illness.
Hepatitis B, C, & D may be symptomatic depending on the mode and time of transmission.
Serological tests that can be done in patients with viral hepatitis include anti-hepatitis A immunoglobulin (IgM), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), HBeAg/anti-HBe status, HBV DNA, anti-HBc IgM, anti-HCV, anti-HIV, anti-HAV, and anti-HDV.
Treatment is individualized based on severity of liver disease, potential of serious side effects, likelihood of treatment response, and presence of comorbid conditions.
For further information regarding the management of Hepatitis - Viral (Pediatric), please refer to Disease Algorithm for the Treatment Guideline.
Hepatitis A generally causes minor illness in childhood with >80% of infections being asymptomatic. Jaundice and intestinal symptoms usually resolve 2-3 weeks after onset. A patient is infectious 1-2 weeks prior to the clinical illness.
Hepatitis B, C, & D may be symptomatic depending on the mode and time of transmission.
Serological tests that can be done in patients with viral hepatitis include anti-hepatitis A immunoglobulin (IgM), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), HBeAg/anti-HBe status, HBV DNA, anti-HBc IgM, anti-HCV, anti-HIV, anti-HAV, and anti-HDV.
Treatment is individualized based on severity of liver disease, potential of serious side effects, likelihood of treatment response, and presence of comorbid conditions.
For further information regarding the management of Hepatitis - Viral (Pediatric), please refer to Disease Algorithm for the Treatment Guideline.
