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Spontaneous remission of chronic hepatitis C in children.
- Source :
-
European Journal of Pediatrics . 1997, Vol. 156 Issue 10, p773. 4p. - Publication Year :
- 1997
-
Abstract
- The clinical course of 48 children with chronic hepatitis C (33 boys, 15 girls; mean age: 12.2 years) was monitored for more than 3 years to clarify its natural course. All patients were positive for the second-generation antibody to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) and for serum hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA. All but one patient had a history of blood transfusion. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) had been abnormal for more than 1.5 years. Spontaneous remission defined as a biochemical remission lasting more than 1 year in association with the disappearance of serum HCV RNA, occurred in 4 (8.3%), however, in 25%, HCV RNA was still detectable in the liver even after its disappearance from serum. In this patient, the level of antibody to HCV core antigen (anti-HCV core) did not decrease significantly and serum HCV RNA eventually reappeared. The serum titre of HCV RNA in the 4 children with spontaneous remission was lower than in the remaining 44 children. Spontaneous remission may occur in children with chronic hepatitis C in whom the serum titre of HCV RNA is low and serum level of anti-HCV core decreases significantly. Assessment of the intrahepatic HCV RNA is necessary to confirm complete remission.Conclusion A low serum titre of HCV RNA and a significant decrease in the serum titre of anti-HCV core were associated with spontaneous remission in children with chronic hepatitis C. Intrahepatic HCV RNA assessment is necessary to confirm complete remission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- *HEPATITIS C
*HEPATITIS in children
*HEPATITIS C virus
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 03406199
- Volume :
- 156
- Issue :
- 10
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- European Journal of Pediatrics
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 8826023
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s004310050710