P-1833. Acute Viral Hepatitis in Hospitalized Children: Clinico-Biochemical, Ultrasonographic and Etiological Findings from North India

TL;DR

This study from North India found that Hepatitis A virus is the main cause of acute viral hepatitis in hospitalized children, emphasizing the need for better prevention strategies.

Contribution

The study provides current etiological and clinical data on acute viral hepatitis in hospitalized children from North India.

Findings

Hepatitis A virus was the primary cause of acute viral hepatitis in 86.2% of cases.

Common clinical features included jaundice, loss of appetite, and hepatomegaly in over 80% of cases.

Acute liver failure occurred in 14 cases, with higher mortality in severe cases.

Abstract

Hepatitis is a serious public health issue worldwide, including in India, with various viral agents causing acute viral hepatitis (AVH). This paper aimed to investigate the etiology, clinical features, laboratory parameters, and sonological findings of AVH in children.

A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Paediatrics, National Institute of TV and Respiratory Diseases, New Delhi, Delhi, from August 2023 to November 2024. A total of 119 paediatric cases of AVH aged 1-16 years were included. Clinical evaluation, laboratory investigations, and ultrasound findings were recorded.

The majority of cases (86.2%) were attributed to Hepatitis A virus (HAV). Clinical features included jaundice (82.3%), loss of appetite (81.9%), hepatomegaly (82.1%), fever (77.1%), and vomiting/nausea (61.8%). Serum bilirubin was deranged in 89.2% of cases. Ultrasonography revealed hepatomegaly (83.6%), gall bladder sludge (37.8%), and splenomegaly (29.1%). Acute liver failure occurred in 14 cases, with a mortality rate associated with severe cases.

The findings highlighted that AVH is primarily caused by HAV, which remains a serious health threat in India. Effective prevention strategies focusing on improved sanitation, clean water supply, and universal immunization against HAV and HBV are crucial to reduce morbidity and mortality.

All Authors: No reported disclosures