[Hepatitis B in children in 4 university centers in The Netherlands].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the prevalence and the natural course of hepatitis B infection in children.


METHODS
Retrospective longitudinal.


METHODS
Four university pediatric centres.


METHODS
To explore the possibility of starting a trial with interferon alpha, data of viral and biochemical tests and biopsies of children younger than 16 years were studied.


RESULTS
In a period of 10 years (1980-1990) 145 patients, of whom 74% were not of original Dutch descent, were found positive for HBsAg. The data of 142 patients could be analysed. Seroconversion was seen in 27 patients and 42 were already anti-HBe positive at the time of presentation. Chronic hepatitis, representing the category which could benefit from interferon alpha treatment, was found in 24 patients. Severe complications of the hepatitis were found in 4% of the children, including hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis. Follow-up was insufficient so the seroconversion rate could only be estimated at 12% for the first year following the diagnosis.


CONCLUSIONS
As a result of this study the authors present a proposal for a therapeutic trial with interferon alpha. This is a national protocol under the auspices of the section for pediatric gastroenterology of the Nederlandse Vereniging voor Kindergeneeskunde (Netherlands Pediatric Association).
Nuysink
M
M
Afd. Nefrologie, Wilhelmina Kinderziekenhuis, Utrecht.
Rothbarth
P H
PH
Bijleveld
C M
CM
Houwen
R H
RH
Tolboom
J J
JJ
Sinaasappel
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000209:etiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006521:Hepatitis, Chronic / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D016898:Interferon-alpha
Hepatitis B bij kinderen in vier universitaire centra in Nederland.