Madisons Foundation - Moms And Dads In Search Of Needed Support

What

Neonatal Hepatitis is a disease that affects the liver during the first few months of life. Neonatal Hepatitis means that the liver has become inflamed and this can result in scarring and permanent damage. Twenty percent of cases of neonatal hepatitis are caused by a virus, and in the other 80% of cases no virus can be found, however, many researchers suspect an infection is the cause.

Who

Neonatal Hepatitis is found to affect about 1 in every 2500 births. Some studies have suggested that males are twice as likely to be affected as females, but the reason for this is not known. Neonatal Hepatitis affects all ethnic groups equally. Children with viral Neonatal Hepatitis can become infected with a virus in several ways. Children can be infected before, during and after birth. Since infection often involves transmission of the virus from mother to baby during pregnancy, it is important for all mothers to receive good prenatal care. Prenatal care often involves testing for many infectious diseases, including the Hepatitis viruses.

Signs and Symptoms

Babies with neonatal hepatitis usually present with jaundice within the first few months of life. jaundice is when the skin and white part of the eye becomes yellow. This yellow color is caused by increased levels of a chemical named bilirubin. bilirubin comes from the normal breakdown of red blood cells. One of the jobs of the liver is to filter bilirubin out of the blood and excrete it from the body. When the liver is damaged, it losses its ability to do this and the build of bilirubin gives the skin and eyes a yellow color. This symptom is what usually leads to a diagnosis. Other common signs and symptoms include: 1. Failure to gain weight or grow at a normal rate 2. Enlarged liver and/or spleen 3. Dark urine 4. Pale, clay colored stools 5. Severe itching 6. Deficiency of vitamins A, D, E and K, which may result in vision problems, poorly calcified bones (rickets), and problems with the blood clotting system

Possible Causes

Twenty percent of cases of neonatal hepatitis are caused by infection with a virus that targets the liver. Some of the viruses that more commonly affect the liver include hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E viruses and the cytomegalovirus. Viruses are often transmitted through blood or body fluids during pregnancy. The body responds by activating the immune system to kill the infected liver cells. This results in an inflamed and damaged liver.

Diagnosis

Physical examination will find the jaundice, which is often noticed first by a family member. Blood tests are then used to determine if a viral infection is the cause. If there is no evidence of a viral infection, a liver biopsy may need to be performed to make the diagnosis. This small piece of the liver can help determine how severely the liver is affected and how to treat the disease. Liver function tests can also determine the severity of the disease and help predict how a child will do.

Treatment

The treatment of neonatal hepatitis involves management of the symptoms and preventing any further complications. This involves the use of certain medicines to increase bile flow and relieve the severe itching cause by the build up of bile in skin. Vitamin supplements are used because reduced bile leads to difficulties in absorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K. Neonatal hepatitis patients are often on specific diets that include very high caloric intake and formulas that are rich in fats. A small number of hepatitis patients may develop severe liver damage and will need a liver transplant.

Prognosis

The prognosis of neonatal hepatitis is variable and depends on the severity of the liver inflammation and the cause of the hepatitis. If a virus is known to be causing the hepatitis, medication may be used to help the body fight off the virus and to attempt to return the liver to normal. Neonatal hepatitis caused by the hepatitis A virus usually resolves itself within six months, but chronic liver disease can results from infection of the hepatitis B or C viruses. Babies who develop severe liver damage may need a liver transplant. Furthermore, babies who have neonatal hepatitis due to the cytomegalovirus, rubella or the hepatitis A, B, and C viruses can transmit the virus to other adults and children.

Connect with other parents

In the spirit of community and support, Madisons Foundation offers the unique service of connecting parents of children with rare diseases. If you would like to be connected to other parents of children with this disease, please fill out this brief form.

Weblinks

Children's Liver Association for Support Services
C.L.A.S.S. is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the emotional, educational, and financial needs of families coping with childhood liver disease and transplantation.

American Liver Foundation
A great site with detailed information about the disease, treatment options and support groups.

Hepatitis Foundation International
International foundation providing up-to-date information on hepatitis and support groups for those affected by hepatitis viruses.

Google Search for Neonatal Hepatitis

References and Sources

www.liverfoundation.org/ www.gastro.com/html/liverdisease.shtml www.liver.ca/english/index.html