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Viral Hepatitis in Children

Hepatitis viruses A through E cause acute or chronic liver inflammation in children, ranging from self-limiting illness to chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları department. Book Appointment →

What is Viral Hepatitis in Children?

Viral hepatitis in children refers to acute or chronic liver inflammation caused by hepatotropic viruses (hepatitis A, B, C, D, E) and other systemic viruses (CMV, EBV, HSV).

Hepatitis A and E are transmitted by the faecal-oral route through contaminated water and food, causing self-limiting acute illness. Hepatitis B and C spread perinatally and through blood, leading to chronic infection in 90% of infants infected at birth (HBV) or 25% (HCV).

Hepatitis D requires concurrent hepatitis B infection and accelerates progression to cirrhosis.

Vaccination programmes for hepatitis A and B have dramatically reduced incidence; universal screening of pregnant women for HBsAg and antiviral prophylaxis prevent perinatal transmission.

Symptoms

Jaundice (icteric phase): yellow skin, sclerae and dark urine
Pre-icteric: fever, malaise, fatigue, anorexia, nausea, vomiting
Right upper quadrant pain, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly
Pale (clay-coloured) stools and pruritus
Joint pain, rash (HBV serum sickness-like reaction)
Hepatic failure: bleeding, encephalopathy (rare in HAV, more in HBV/HEV)
Chronic infection often asymptomatic — incidental finding

Risk Factors

Hepatitis A: poor sanitation, contaminated water and food, day-care exposure
Hepatitis B: HBsAg-positive mother, household contact, sexual transmission in adolescents
Hepatitis C: maternal HCV viraemia, blood products before 1992 screening
Travel to endemic regions (Asia, Africa, parts of South America)
Intravenous drug use in adolescents, body piercing, tattoos
Immunosuppression and HIV co-infection
Lack of universal vaccination

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Jaundice in any child requires immediate medical evaluation — liver function tests
  • Persistent fatigue, abdominal pain or anorexia >2 weeks
  • Family history of hepatitis B or C — children should be screened
  • Newborns of HBsAg-positive mothers need HBV immunoglobulin and vaccine within 12 hours
  • Encephalopathy, severe vomiting or bleeding signal acute liver failure — emergency

Treatment Methods

01
Hepatitis A and E: supportive care, hydration, rest; recovery in 4–8 weeks
02
Hepatitis B chronic: tenofovir or entecavir for compensated disease, peginterferon in selected cases
03
Hepatitis C chronic: direct-acting antivirals (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) — cure rate >95% in children >3 years
04
Hepatitis D: peginterferon alfa, bulevirtide in selected centres
05
Liver transplantation for fulminant hepatic failure or decompensated cirrhosis
06
Universal HBV vaccination in newborns and children; HAV vaccine at 12–18 months
07
Family screening, vertical transmission prevention with HBIG and HBV vaccine in newborns of carrier mothers

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları Department

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The newborn period is a critical phase that requires attentive care of the umbilical stump, temperature regulation, feeding, monitoring of jaundice and screening tests.

Vaccination Schedule

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The Turkish Ministry of Health national vaccination schedule arranges the immunization program from birth to adulthood. Timely and complete vaccination is critical in protecting community immunity.

Jaundice in Infants

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Neonatal jaundice (jaundice in newborns) presents as yellowing of the skin and eyes. The vast majority of cases are physiological and are easily treated with phototherapy.

Diarrhoea in Infants

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Acute diarrhoea is defined as 3 or more loose stools per day. In infants it is most often caused by viral gastroenteritis (rotavirus, norovirus); dehydration may lead to serious complications.

Fever Management in Children

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Fever in children (38°C and above) is the body's defense mechanism against viral or bacterial infection. Most fevers resolve spontaneously in 3-5 days; however, some conditions require urgent medical evaluation.

Cough in Children

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Cough is the most common symptom in children and is mostly due to viral upper respiratory infections. Cough lasting more than 3 weeks or with characteristic sounds requires detailed evaluation.

Bronchiolitis

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Supportive care with hydration, nasal suctioning, and oxygen if hypoxic is the mainstay; routine bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and antibiotics are not recommended per AAP/NICE guidelines.

Croup (Laryngotracheobronchitis)

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Croup is a viral inflammation of the larynx and trachea presenting with a barking cough, hoarseness, and inspiratory stridor. It mostly affects children aged 6 months to 3 years.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.