Hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infections in children

Abstract

There are doubts as to the long-term persistence of anti-hepatitis B immunization in low-endemicity areas. Routine hepatitis C virus testing in pregnancy is not recommended as there are no available prophylactic measures. Although hepatitis B and C virus infections are usually asymptomatic or with mild manifestations in childhood, concerns around their long-term clinical impact suggest the need for early treatment. Children should preferably be treated in the context of targeted trials for a better understanding of the efficacy and tolerance of drugs currently used in adults.

The management of HCV infected pregnant women and their children European paediatric HCV network

“…Sexual and household transmission of HCV does occur but rarely [2]. Mother-to-child (vertical) transmission is now the main route of infection in children [3]. Antenatal HCV prevalence ranges from less than 1 to about 2.5% in Europe [4] although higher prevalence has been reported among certain sub-groups, such as injecting drug users [5] and women from areas of high HCV prevalence [6].…”

Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Opportunistic Infections in HIV-Exposed and HIV-Infected Children

“…However, rare cases of acute hepatic failure have occurred during perinatal and childhood HBV infection. 12,13 …”

Approach to Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases in Pregnancy

“…The reported rates of HCV vertical transmission vary from 3% to 12% [234,235]. High maternal viral load has been associated with an increased risk of vertical transmission, and this might explain the higher transmission rates found in HIV coinfected women, in whom the immunosuppression status may facilitate HCV replication [235,236].…”