Hepatitis C

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.