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Viral Hepatitis, Pediatric

Scott A. Elisofon, MD Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Viral hepatitis is defined as a systemic viral infection, in which the predominant manifestation is that of hepatic injury and dysfunction.

  • It is primarily caused by hepatotropic viru...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • History should focus on risk factors for viral exposure, sick contacts, travel history, and high-risk behaviors.

  • Family history of liver or autoimmune disease, medications, or drug and...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Most cases of acute hepatitis do not require hospitalization.

  • Dehydration, coagulopathy, or severe cases need inpatient care; monitor and correct coagulation defects and fluid...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • For hepatitis B and C, serial measurement of serum AST/ALT, viral markers, α-fetoprotein, and ultrasound of the liver

  • Liver biopsy pretreatment and for evaluation ...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Daniels D, Grytdal S, Wasley A; for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Surveillance for acute viral hepatitis—United States, 2007. MMWR Surveill Summ.  2009;58(3):1–27...

CODES

ICD9

  • 070.9 Unspecified viral hepatitis without mention of hepatic coma

  • 070.30 Viral hepatitis B without mention of hepatic coma, acute or unspecified, without mention of hepatitis delta

  • 70.51 Acute...

FAQ

  • Q: Why do infants who acquire HBV at birth have a higher incidence of chronicity?

  • A: The immaturity of the neonatal immune system contributes to the higher incidence of chronicity in this populatio...

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