title: [Hepatitis C infection in children].
abstract: Chronic hepatitis C (HCV) infection has a prevalence of 2-3% worldwide. The vertical transmission rate is approximately 5%. There is no evidence to recommend abstinence from breastfeeding or elective C-section to prevent transmission. In children, the natural history of HCV infection is typically benign, but liver cirrhosis and hepatocellulary carcinoma are later complications. Children with HCV infection may benefit from early treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin with duration depending on genotype. Overall, response to antiviral treatment of HCV infected children is comparable to results in adults.
authors.affiliation: Gl. Strandvej 97, 3050 Humlebæk. brixchr@dadlnet.dk.
authors.forename: Vibeke Brix
authors.initials: VB
authors.lastname: Christensen
authors.forename: Sannie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nordly
authors.forename: Bjørn
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Fischler
authors.forename: Mette Skalshøi
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Kjær
authors.forename: Marianne Hørby
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Jørgensen
mesh_terms: D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000097:blood; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D018450:Disease Progression; D054459:Elasticity Imaging Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000410:Alanine Transaminase