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Treatment of Viral Hepatitis in Children - 2008

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Chronic Viral Hepatitis

Part of the book series: Clinical Gastroenterology ((CG))

Abstract

Key Principles

Chronic hepatitis B and C are still detected in infants and children despite widespread screening of blood donors, high-risk groups, and pregnant women.

Incidence of hepatitis B has reduced significantly since the implementation of universal vaccination.

Children with chronic hepatitis B and C are relatively asymptomatic, but may occasionally present with severe sequelae such as liver failure.

A high degree of suspicion and careful evaluation are essential for the diagnosis and management of these children.

Treatment options are limited, suboptimal, and should be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Short- and long-term follow-up of infected children are needed to detect early signs of progression and decompensation of liver disease.

Availability of newer drugs for more optimal and safer therapy, especially through clinical trials, is the best hope for the immediate future.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA

    Zachary R. Schneider & Parvathi Mohan

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  1. Zachary R. Schneider
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  2. Parvathi Mohan
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Hepatology, Georgetown University Hospital, Reservoir Road GUH 3800, Washington, 20007, U.S.A.

    Kirti Shetty

  2. University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington Ave. 236, Farmington, 06030-1845, U.S.A.

    George Y. Wu

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Schneider, Z.R., Mohan, P. (2009). Treatment of Viral Hepatitis in Children - 2008. In: Shetty, K., Wu, G. (eds) Chronic Viral Hepatitis. Clinical Gastroenterology. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-565-7_16

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-565-7_16

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