title: [Hepatitis C virus infection in children].
abstract: The modes of transmission of hepatitis C virus are parenteral, sexual and maternal-fetal. It affects 3% of the population worldwide. Currently, vertical infection is the main way of virus spreading. Most children are clinically asymptomatic, but progression of liver disease has been described. The positivity of antibodies against hepatitis C virus does not discriminate between active and resolved infection, so determination of serum HCV-RNA is necessary. The combination of peginterferon and ribavirin appears to be the most effective treatment. Future challenges are the development of new drugs and a vaccine.
authors.affiliation: Hospital Nacional de Pediatría Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan. mcuarterolo@intramed.net
authors.forename: Miriam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cuarterolo
authors.forename: Susana
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: López
authors.forename: Mirta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ciocca
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans