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Liver cirrhosis associated with chronic hepatitis B virus infection in childhood.

Abstract
We evaluated the prevalence and the clinical features of liver cirrhosis associated with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in a prospective study of 292 consecutive children who were chronic HBsAg carriers with increased aminotransferase activity. Liver histologic changes at presentation were consistent with cirrhosis in 10 (3.4%) patients (100% boys, mean age 4.0 +/- 3.3 years). In none of the remaining children, including 166 with histologic evidence of chronic active hepatitis, did the condition progress to cirrhosis during an observation period of 1 to 10 years. This lack of progression suggests that cirrhosis is an early complication of chronic HBV disease in some patients. A higher prevalence of delta infection and increased incidence of blood transfusions were observed in patients with cirrhosis, supporting the hypothesis that superinfection with delta or non-A, non-B agents may play a synergistic role. Eight of 10 patients had histologic features of disease activity at presentation, although only two had symptoms. During follow-up, persistence of disease activity was observed only in the three delta antigen-positive patients. None of the patients with inactive cirrhosis have developed signs of liver failure or portal hypertension.
AuthorsF Bortolotti, R Calzia, P Cadrobbi, R Giacchini, B Ciravegna, M Armigliato, R Piscopo, G Realdi
JournalThe Journal of pediatrics (J Pediatr) Vol. 108 Issue 2 Pg. 224-7 (Feb 1986) ISSN: 0022-3476 [Print] United States
PMID3944707 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
Chemical References
  • Hepatitis B Antibodies
  • Hepatitis B Antigens
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
  • Hepatitis B e Antigens
  • Hepatitis delta Antigens
Topics
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Defective Viruses (immunology)
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hepatitis B (complications, immunology)
  • Hepatitis B Antibodies (analysis)
  • Hepatitis B Antigens (analysis)
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens (analysis)
  • Hepatitis B e Antigens (analysis)
  • Hepatitis D (complications)
  • Hepatitis delta Antigens
  • Hepatitis, Chronic (immunology)
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Liver Cirrhosis (etiology, immunology)
  • Male
  • Prospective Studies
  • Time Factors

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