What is hepatitis? Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. It can have multiple causes, including: Infections, including viral infections; Autoimmune diseases; Toxics and medicines; Metabolic diseases. Why is there talk about a new type of acute hepatitis? On 31 March 2022, the Scottish National Health Service reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) an increase in the number of cases of acute hepatitis in children, for which the viruses that most frequently cause this disease were not identified. Since then and until the beginning of May 2022, around 200 cases were identified in several European countries and in the USA; The United Kingdom stands out, where most cases of new acute hepatitis in children are concentrated. Most children recovered without any sequelae or consequences. However, it was necessary to resort to liver transplantation in 17 cases. What causes this type of hepatitis? The cause of new acute childhood hepatitis is not yet known. In a significant percentage of cases, but not all, an adenovirus has been identified. This virus frequently causes respiratory symptoms (cough, nasal obstruction, conjunctivitis) and is also associated with gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. No link has been established with SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) and even less with the vaccine against this disease. Most children affected by new acute hepatitis are in the age group of 3-5 years, which were not covered by the vaccination program against COVID-19. What are the symptoms of new acute hepatitis? The usual symptoms are stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea. However, the alert symptom is jaundice (yellow color of the skin and mucous membranes). The first place where jaundice is visible is the sclera or white of the eye. When should I see a doctor with my child? In addition to jaundice, which is a more specific symptom of liver diseases and which should motivate medical evaluation, the symptoms that should alert and motivate us to seek medical care are similar to those of other diseases: Prostrate, without activity; Child who does not stop vomiting; Prolonged fever (more than 3 days), Fever that does not drop below 38 o C with antipyretics administration How is new acute hepatitis in children prevented? As we still do not know the cause of this new type of hepatitis, we have not been able to identify specific prevention strategies. However, there are measures that are always fundamental in preventing the spread of diseases: Hand washing; Hygiene during food preparation; Avoid contact with sick people with respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms. What is being done to understand what this disease is? National and international entities are monitoring the cases. Laboratory tests are being carried out on identified cases in an attempt to find the cause. The different scientific societies, including the Sociedade Portuguesa de Pediatria have issued recommendations on the conduct to be followed in the event of a suspected case. Author : Cristina Campos Gonçalves Meet the pediatrics clinical team from Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
