title: [Evolution of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection acquired at birth]
abstract: Objectives Our aim was to analyze the evolution of HCV infection in children infected at birth. Methods Between September 1994 and December 1998 we analyzed in a prospective study 8 children born of anti-HCV and HCV RNA positive women. Each baby was controlled at birth, every 3 months during the first year of life, and then every 6 months searching for anti-HCV antibodies (ELISA 3, RIBA 2-3), HCV RNA (RT PCR), ALT and viral genotype. Results Viral RNA was detectable in the first 3 months of life in all babies (100%) and remained positive during the follow-up. Viral genotypes were the same for mothers and their children. In 6 babies (75%) ALT remained pathologic during follow-up. Conclusions HCV infection in children usually has an asymptomatic outcome; the infection has chronic features in the majority of cases.
authors.affiliation: U.O. di Malattie Infettive e "Gruppo di Studio: Trasmissione Verticale di HCV", A.O. Ospedali Riuniti, Bergamo, Italy.
authors.forename: E.
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Minola
authors.forename: F.
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Berera
authors.forename: O.
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Fracassetti
authors.forename: G.
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Quinzan
authors.forename: N.
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Lorenzi
authors.forename: G.
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Delvecchio
vernacular_title: Andamento dell'infezione da virus dell'epatite C (HCV) acquisita alla nascita.