Use of complementary and alternative medicine in pediatric chronic viral hepatitis.
OBJECTIVE
The objectives of the present study were to assess the prevalence, frequency and type of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) used by children with chronic viral hepatitis infection, and to determine correlates of use and estimates of nondisclosure regarding CAM use.


METHODS
In this cross-sectional pilot study, families of 68 children receiving care for chronic viral hepatitis at a tertiary medical center were administered a survey regarding use of CAM.


RESULTS
Forty-six percent of these families reported using CAM for their child at least once since diagnosis with chronic viral hepatitis and 31% used CAM monthly or more frequently. Of all of the CAM therapies, biologically based products such as herbals and dietary supplements were used most often. Use of CAM was independently associated with the current or previous use of antiviral medications for viral hepatitis, parent's use of CAM, and child having a nonliver comorbidity. Rates of physician nondisclosure regarding CAM use were >60%.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first report of CAM use in children with chronic viral hepatitis. Use of CAM in this population is common, and despite published adult reports, there is infrequent dialogue between patients and pediatric health care providers regarding use of CAM.
Erlichman
Jessi
J
Biesecker Pediatric Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. erlichman@email.chop.edu
Salam
Abdul
A
Haber
Barbara A
BA
D002648:Child; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D019694:Hepatitis B, Chronic / Q000628:therapy* / Q000821:virology; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000628:therapy* / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010372:Pediatrics; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012650:Self Disclosure; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States