Clinico-Serological Profile of Infective Causes of Acute Hepatitis in Children Admitted to a Tertiary Care Centre

Background: Hepatitis is a major cause of healthcare burden in India. Hepatitis A is the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis in the pediatric population whereas hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the most important cause of epidemic hepatitis. Various other causes of acute infective hepatitis in children are dengue, malaria, and enteric fever. The aim of the present study is to understand the clinico-serological profile in cases of acute infective hepatitis in children. Methodology: The present study is a cross-sectional study that was carried out from 1 September 2017 to 31 March 2019. A total of 89 children in the age group 1-18 years with clinically suspected acute infective hepatitis and subsequent confirmation on laboratory tests were included in the study. Results: Hepatitis A (48.3%) was found to be the most common aetiology followed by dengue (22.5%) and hepatitis E (12.4%). No cases of hepatitis B or hepatitis C were found. The most common presenting complaint was fever (90%) and the most common clinical finding was icterus (69.7%). The sensitivity of icterus for the diagnosis of hepatitis was found to be 70%. Lab investigations showed a significant association between different etiologies of infective hepatitis with packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cell (WBC) count, and platelet count. Levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) were raised in samples of patients with hepatitis A, hepatitis E, and combined hepatitis A and E infection as compared to other causes. All cases of hepatitis A and E were diagnosed with positive IgM antibody tests to the respective viral antigens. The most common complication was hepatic encephalopathy which was seen in patients with hepatitis A, dengue, and septicemia. Around 99% of patients recovered well and were discharged. One death occurred in a case of septicemia with septic shock with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Conclusion: The most common cause of infective hepatitis in children is hepatitis A. Other causes like dengue, malaria, and typhoid should also be kept in mind. The absence of icterus does not rule out hepatitis. Lab investigations including serology are important to confirm the diagnosis of various causes of hepatitis. Timely immunization against hepatitis is strongly recommended.