Non-A, non-B, non-C hepatitis: Its significance in pediatric patients and the role of GB virus-C
Journal
Journal of Pediatrics
Journal Volume
131
Journal Issue
4
Pages
536-540
Date Issued
1997
Author(s)
Abstract
Objectives: To delineate the importance of non-A, non-B, non-C (non- ABC) hepatitis, and the role of GB virus C (GBV-C) in children. Methods: From 1980 to 1995, acute-onset viral hepatitis was diagnosed in 166 inpatients and categorized into type A, B, C, and non-ABC hepatitis according to the serologic markers or the results of polymerase chain reaction assay for HBV DNA or HCV ribonucleic acid (RNA) in the National Taiwan University Hospital. Non-ABC hepatitis was diagnosed in 57 patients (34%). GBV-C RNA was investigated by reverse transcription and nested polymerase chain reaction in 32 of the 57 patients with non-ABC hepatitis. The clinical and laboratory features of patients with acute non-ABC hepatitis were compared with the features of those with acute hepatitis A and B. Results: The degree of abnormality in aminotransferase activities was milder in patients with non- ABC hepatitis than in those with hepatitis B; chronicity was noted in 12%. Fulminant hepatitis occurred in 16%, and the mortality rate was 56%. Young age carried a significantly higher risk of having a fulminant course (1.9 ± 0.2 years of age vs 6.4 ± 5.1 years of age in acute course; p < 0.05). Compared with fulminant hepatitis B, fulminant non-ABC hepatitis had a trend of a longer interval from onset to death (119.2 ± 144.8 vs 15.2 ± 8.4 days; p = 0.079). GBV-C RNA was detected in only two of the patients tested, both of whom had received transfusions; one had persistent viremia and fluctuating aminotransferase values. Conclusions: Non-ABC hepatitis plays an important role in the etiology of pediatric vital hepatitis; however, the role of GBV- C is minor. A search for other unknown viral agent(s) responsible for non- ABCG hepatitis is needed.
SDGs
Other Subjects
aminotransferase; adolescent; article; child; controlled study; enzyme activity; hepatitis A; hepatitis B; hepatitis C; Hepatitis G virus; human; infant; major clinical study; mortality; polymerase chain reaction; priority journal; reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction; serodiagnosis; viremia; virus hepatitis
Publisher
Mosby Inc.
Type
journal article