Hepatitis C is a viral liver condition that damages the liver through inflammation. Hepatitis C infection is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Young children contract the condition from their mother during childbirth. Five percent of infants born to mothers with hepatitis C are chronically infected. Hepatitis C infection is usually chronic. The condition can go undetected for years since most people with the virus do not initially show symptoms, and many people have mild disease.
Hepatitis C can lead to cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and liver failure. Children and adolescents at risk for hepatitis C are those who:
- Are born to a hepatitis C-infected mother
- Have been on long-term kidney dialysis
- Received blood, blood products or solid organs from a donor who has hepatitis C
- Share personal items such as toothbrushes and razors with someone who has hepatitis C
Sometimes, children with hepatitis C do not experience obvious symptoms. However, if cirrhosis occurs, symptoms may be present.
Symptoms of cirrhosis caused by hepatitis C include:
- Abdominal swelling
- Dark brown urine
- Itchiness of the skin
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Red palms
- Vomiting blood
- Weakness and fatigue
Diagnosis of Hepatitis C
If your child experiences symptoms of cirrhosis, a pediatric gastroenterologist at Riley at IU Health can perform the following exams and tests to make a diagnosis:
- Physical exam. A pediatric specialist may find an enlarged liver or spleen during an examination of your child’s body.
- Blood tests. Many blood tests are used to check for the different forms of hepatitis. Types of blood tests include:
- Liver enzyme. A liver enzyme blood test shows elevated levels of alanine transaminase (AST) and aspartate transaminase (ALT) liver enzymes in patients with liver injury.
- Prothrombin time. A prothrombin time blood test measures the time it takes for plasma (liquid portion of blood) to clot and shows if the liver is working well.
- Hepatitis C antibody. A hepatitis C antibody blood test shows hepatitis C infection.
- Hepatitis C polymerase chain reaction. A hepatitis C polymerase chain reaction (PCR) blood test shows if the hepatitis C virus is present and how much.
- Liver biopsy. A liver biopsy may be performed to verify a diagnosis of hepatitis C.
Treatments
Treatments
Treatment options for hepatitis C include:
- Vaccinations. All children with hepatitis C should get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.
- Avoiding toxins. Children with hepatitis C should avoid any substances that are toxic to the liver (hepatotoxic), including some over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription medicines and certain herbs and supplements. People with hepatitis C should also avoid alcohol. Even moderate amounts of alcohol speed up the progression of hepatitis C, and alcohol reduces the effectiveness of treatment.
- Liver transplant. Hepatitis C can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure in a few patients, usually in adulthood. If this occurs, a liver transplant may be necessary.
Patients with hepatitis C should also avoid sharing sharp objects like razors or nail clippers that could carry blood.
In the past, the best treatment for hepatitis C in children was weekly pegylated interferon injections and ribavirin orally. Now, much more effective and easy-to-tolerate medicines are being studied. Ask your child's doctor for more information.
Key Points to Remember
Key Points to Remember
- Hepatitis C often produces no symptoms initially and is only detected through routine blood tests.
- Young children are most at risk from maternal-fetal transmission via a mother who is infected.
- Several effective treatments are being studied.
- Years of inflammation and scarring can cause cirrhosis and liver failure in a few patients, usually well into adulthood, resulting in the need for a liver transplant.
Support Services & Resources
Support Services & Resources
Visit the websites below to find support groups and services and learn more about hepatitis C.
Riley at IU Health offers a broad range of supportive services to make life better for families who choose us for their children's care.
The Riley at IU Health Liver Support Group meets one or two times a year for a family-oriented education program and socializing. Topics include testing for liver disease, complications of liver disease, impact of chronic disease on the family, liver transplant, nutrition for liver disease and medicine for liver disease. Please call 317.944.3774 for meeting dates and times.
This is the American Liver Foundation's dedicated online resource for information about hepatitis C.
This website from the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition provides information for patients and families living with hepatitis C.
This group provides information about the symptoms, treatments and research related to hepatitis C.
This National Institutes of Health website offers information and resources about hepatitis C, including research and clinical trials.
Hepatitis C Research
Hepatitis C Research
Our pediatric gastroenterologists participate in research on the treatment of hepatitis C. Speak with your child's doctor if you would like to know more about our clinical research studies.
Locations
Locations
Locations
In addition to our primary hospital location at the Academic Health Center in Indianapolis, IN, we have convenient locations to better serve our communities throughout the state.
Riley Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
575 Riley Hospital Dr
Indianapolis, IN 46202