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Abdel-Gawad M, Abd-Elsalam S, Abdel-Gawad I, Tag-Adeen M, El-Sayed M, Abdel-Malek D. Seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Liver Int 2022; 42:1241-1249. [PMID: 35220648 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Estimates of paediatric hepatitis C virus (HCV) seroprevalence are needed to aid treatment scaling-up, screening and detection approach in this age range, with the ultimate goal of global HCV eradication. The aim of this study was to gather all of the available information on HCV seroprevalence in children all around the world. METHODS We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science (WOS), Wiley and EBSCO databases for all studies evaluating HCV seroprevalence in children; however, studies examining seroprevalence in high-risk children or specific groups were excluded. RESULTS Only 20 articles with 48 963 people met our inclusion criteria, with an overall prevalence of 0.904% and a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.543 to 1.355. Seroprevalence was higher in research published prior to 2010 than in those published after 2010 (0.77% vs. 0.53%). CONCLUSION Few studies were conducted to assess the seroprevalence of HCV in children worldwide. However, the worldwide pooled seroprevalence of HCV in children in these studies is low (less than 1%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Abdel-Gawad
- Hepatology, Gastroenterology, and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Sherief Abd-Elsalam
- Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | | | - Mohammed Tag-Adeen
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Marwa El-Sayed
- Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Dalia Abdel-Malek
- Clinical Pharmacy, Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population, Assiut, Egypt
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2
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Progress and Barriers Towards Elimination of Chronic Hepatitis C in Children. KLINISCHE PADIATRIE 2020; 233:211-215. [PMID: 33339066 DOI: 10.1055/a-1304-3542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is a global health burden. Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) accounts for most HCV infections in pediatric patients. Spontaneous viral clearance may occur in early childhood but is uncommon thereafter. Infection is usually asymptomatic during childhood, although without an effective treatment, vertically infected children may develop serious liver complications including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in adulthood. Despite the lack of vaccine against hepatitis C and effective post-exposure methods of prevention of MTCT, treatment with direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) raised the prospect of eliminating HCV on a population level. Highly effective, well-tolerated, oral, and interferon-free regimens of short duration have revolutionized treatment of CHC. However, access to these therapies might be limited because of its high cost. In this review, we provide the current state of knowledge on the epidemiology, testing, monitoring and treating of HCV in children. We outline the remaining gaps in therapy and barriers to disease eradication.
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Using Preventive Health Alerts in the Electronic Health Record Improves Hepatitis C Virus Testing Among Infants Perinatally Exposed to Hepatitis C. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2020; 39:920-924. [PMID: 32453202 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000002757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perinatal exposure to hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major public health issue, and poor testing rates leave many children with infection unidentified. We sought to use the electronic health record (EHR) to promote guideline-directed HCV testing among infants born to mothers with HCV infection in an urban, safety-net hospital system. METHODS Our study population was identified using our EHR database, Epic. Children were included in the study if they had perinatal HCV exposure, were 18 months to 18 years of age and had at least 1 encounter in a primary or urgent care clinic during the study period. Our study included retrospective (October 2011 to February 2015) and prospective (February 2015 to May 2018) arms. Our EHR-based intervention was initiated in the prospective arm and recommended a one-time HCV antibody test at or after the age of 18 months using a health maintenance reminder. The health maintenance reminder activated a point-of-care alert and a linked HCV testing order set in all prespecified encounters during the intervention period. RESULTS Median time to appropriate HCV testing decreased from 96.2 months preintervention to 9.1 months postintervention (P < 0.0001), and rate of completed antibody testing increased from 14% to 61% (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Among children with perinatal HCV exposure, using a point-of-care alert within the EHR significantly increased the HCV antibody testing rate in accordance with American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations. More effective EHR-based interventions combined with increased provider awareness of appropriate HCV testing in perinatally exposed infants is imperative.
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4
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Schmelzer J, Dugan E, Blach S, Coleman S, Cai Z, DePaola M, Estes C, Gamkrelidze I, Jerabek K, Ma S, Montoya S, Razavi-Shearer D, Razavi-Shearer K, Robbins-Scott S, Razavi H, El Sayed MH. Global prevalence of hepatitis C virus in children in 2018: a modelling study. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 5:374-392. [DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(19)30385-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Ohya K, Kawaoka T, Imamura M, Morio K, Nakahara T, Murakami E, Yamauchi M, Hiramatsu A, Tsuge M, Aikata H, Chayama K. Three Children Treated with Direct-acting Antivirals for Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 1b Infection. Intern Med 2020; 59:941-944. [PMID: 31813916 PMCID: PMC7184084 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.3824-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Although direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have significantly increased the sustained virological response (SVR) rates in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected adult patients, the efficacy and safety for children remain unclear. We herein report three HCV-infected children who received DAA treatment. The patients were girls 10-13 years old who had been infected with genotype 1b HCV by vertical transmission based on a phylogenetic tree analysis. Two patients were treated with 12 weeks of ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, and the other patient was treated with 8 weeks of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir. All children received DAA doses that were similar to the dosages for adult patients. None developed adverse events, and all children achieved an SVR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuki Ohya
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Hiroshima University Hospital, Japan
| | - Tomokazu Kawaoka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Hiroshima University Hospital, Japan
| | - Michio Imamura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Hiroshima University Hospital, Japan
| | - Kei Morio
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Hiroshima University Hospital, Japan
| | - Takashi Nakahara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Hiroshima University Hospital, Japan
| | - Eisuke Murakami
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Hiroshima University Hospital, Japan
| | - Masami Yamauchi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Hiroshima University Hospital, Japan
| | - Akira Hiramatsu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Hiroshima University Hospital, Japan
| | - Masataka Tsuge
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Hiroshima University Hospital, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Aikata
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Hiroshima University Hospital, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Chayama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Hiroshima University Hospital, Japan
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6
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Busschots D, Toghanian S, Bielen R, Salomonsson S, Koc ÖM, Hendrickx G, Jadoul M, Nevens F, Sokal E, Brixko C, Peerlinck K, Apers L, Robaeys G, Lazarus JV. Eliminating viral hepatitis C in Belgium: the micro-elimination approach. BMC Infect Dis 2020; 20:181. [PMID: 32106819 PMCID: PMC7045456 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-4898-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis C virus is one of the leading causes of chronic liver disease and liver-related deaths worldwide. The estimated prevalence of chronic hepatitis C viral infection among the general Belgian population was 0.57% (n = 64,000) in 2015. Although Belgium has had a ‘Hepatitis C Plan’ since 2014, elimination efforts are unclear. This study employs the best available data and modelling estimates to define the burden of hepatitis C viral infection among key subgroups in Belgium, identify information gaps and propose potential approaches to screening, linkage to care and treatment, and cure. Methods We examined the peer-reviewed and grey literature since 2012 for data on the prevalence of hepatitis C viral infection in Belgium in key subgroups identified by national experts and in the literature. Ultimately, this research is primarily based on data provided by the key stakeholders themselves due to a lack of reliable data in the literature. Based on this, we modelled the treatment rates required to reach elimination of hepatitis C in several subgroups. Results Eleven potential subgroups were identified. There were no data available for two subgroups: generational cohorts and men who have sex with men. In six subgroups, fewer than 3000 people were reported or estimated to have hepatitis C infection. Migrants and people who inject drugs were the most affected subgroups, and children were the least affected subgroup. Only two subgroups are on target to achieve elimination by 2030: patients living with haemophilia and transplant recipients. Conclusions Removing Belgian treatment reimbursement restrictions in January 2019 was a big step towards eliminating HCV. In addition, increasing surveillance, including with a national registry, treatment prescription by other health-care providers and availability of treatment in local pharmacies are central to improving the current situation and getting on track to reach the 2030 WHO hepatitis C elimination targets in Belgium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Busschots
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Genk, Belgium
| | - Samira Toghanian
- MSD, Centre of Observational Real-world Evidence (CORE), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rob Bielen
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Genk, Belgium
| | - Stina Salomonsson
- MSD, Centre of Observational Real-world Evidence (CORE), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Özgür M Koc
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Genk, Belgium.,Medical Microbiology, School of NUTRIM, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Greet Hendrickx
- Viral Hepatitis Prevention Board, Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination, Vaccine & Infectious Diseases Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Michel Jadoul
- Service de Néphrologie, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Frederik Nevens
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospitals KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Etienne Sokal
- Service Gastroentérologie Hépatologie Pédiatrique, Cliniques Universitaires St. Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christian Brixko
- Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology, CHR Citadelle, Liège, Belgium
| | - Kathelijne Peerlinck
- Division of Cardiovascular Disorders, Haemophilia Center, University Hospitals KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ludwig Apers
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Geert Robaeys
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Genk, Belgium.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospitals KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jeffrey V Lazarus
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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7
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Modin L, Arshad A, Wilkes B, Benselin J, Lloyd C, Irving WL, Kelly DA. Epidemiology and natural history of hepatitis C virus infection among children and young people. J Hepatol 2019; 70:371-378. [PMID: 30496763 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2018.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global health burden. Although HCV infection rarely contributes to morbidity during childhood, most HCV-infected children develop chronic HCV with a lifetime risk of liver disease. Little is known about the development of long-term liver disease and the effect of treatment in patients infected with HCV in childhood. METHOD This study was a retrospective review of patients infected with HCV in childhood enrolled in HCV Research UK. A total of 1,049 patients were identified and included. RESULTS The main routes of infection were intravenous drug use (53%), blood product exposure (24%) and perinatal infection (11%). Liver disease developed in 32% of patients, a median of 33 years after infection, irrespective of the mode of infection. Therefore, patients with perinatal exposure developed cirrhosis at an earlier age than the rest of the risk groups. The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was 5%, liver transplant 4% and death occurred in 3%. Overall, 663 patients were treated (55% with interferon/pegylated interferon and 40% with direct-acting antivirals). Sustained virological response (SVR) was achieved in 406 (75%). There was a higher mortality rate among patients without SVR vs. those with SVR (5% vs. 1%, p = 0.003). Treatment was more effective in patients without cirrhosis and disease progression was less frequent (13%) than in patients with cirrhosis at the time of therapy (28%) p < 0.001. Patients with cirrhosis were more likely to develop HCC, require liver transplantation, or die. CONCLUSION HCV infection in young people causes significant liver disease, which can now be prevented with antiviral therapy. Early treatment, especially before development of cirrhosis is essential. Detection of HCV should be aimed at relevant risk groups and antiviral therapy should be made available in childhood to prevent long-term liver disease and spread of HCV. LAY SUMMARY Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global health problem, which can now be treated with potent direct-acting antiviral drugs. This study demonstrates that HCV infection in childhood causes serious liver disease in 32% of patients, a median of 33 years after infection, irrespective of age, mode and route of infection. Disease outcomes were better in patients treated before the development of advanced liver disease. Antiviral therapy should be made available in childhood to prevent long-term liver disease and the spread of HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Line Modin
- Liver Unit, Birmingham Women's & Children's Hospital, Birmingham, UK.
| | - Adam Arshad
- Liver Unit, Birmingham Women's & Children's Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - Bryony Wilkes
- Gastrointestinal and Liver Disorders Team, NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospital NHS Trust and the University of Nottingham, UK
| | - Jennifer Benselin
- Gastrointestinal and Liver Disorders Team, NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospital NHS Trust and the University of Nottingham, UK
| | - Carla Lloyd
- Liver Unit, Birmingham Women's & Children's Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - William L Irving
- Gastrointestinal and Liver Disorders Team, NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospital NHS Trust and the University of Nottingham, UK
| | - Deirdre A Kelly
- Liver Unit, Birmingham Women's & Children's Hospital, Birmingham, UK
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8
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Sokal E, Nannini P. Hepatitis C virus in children: the global picture. Arch Dis Child 2017; 102:668-671. [PMID: 28473309 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2017-312708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Revised: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and end-stage liver disease. One hundred thirty million to 150 million people have chronic HCV infection, among them 11 million are younger than 15 years of age. This review summarises the epidemiology and characteristics of HCV infection in children, and highlights the role of the new upcoming therapies in HCV-related liver complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etienne Sokal
- Université Catholique de Louvain, Cliniques Universitaires St Luc, Service de Gastroentérologie et Hépatologie Pédiatrique Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pilar Nannini
- Université Catholique de Louvain, Cliniques Universitaires St Luc, Service de Gastroentérologie et Hépatologie Pédiatrique Brussels, Belgium
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9
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Mavilia MG, Wu GY. Mechanisms and Prevention of Vertical Transmission in Chronic Viral Hepatitis. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2017; 5:119-129. [PMID: 28660149 PMCID: PMC5472932 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2016.00067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Revised: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Vertical transmission (VT) is the primary route of transmission of viral hepatitis in children. The rate of VT ranges from 1-28% with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and 3-15% with hepatitis C virus (HCV). VT for both viruses can occur during the intrauterine or peripartum period. VT of HBV primarily occurs by intrauterine transmission (IUT). Hepatitis B surface antigen is unable to cross the placenta and, therefore, relies on processes like transplacental leakage, placental infection, cellular transmission by peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and germline transmission. HCV can also infect the fetus by IUT. Both viruses also have the potential for transmission during delivery, when there is increase chance of maternal-fetal blood exposure. HBV and HCV share some common risk factors for VT, including maternal viral load, human immunodeficiency virus co-infection and neonatal sex. Prevention of VT differs greatly between HBV and HCV. There are several alternatives for prevention of HBV VT, including antiviral medications during the third trimester of pregnancy and HBV vaccine, as well as hepatitis B immunoglobulin administration to infants post-partum. In contrast, there are no preventative interventions available for HCV. Despite these differences, the key to prevention with both viruses is screening women prior to and during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna G. Mavilia
- *Correspondence to: Marianna G. Mavilia, Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, 263 Farmington Ave, Farmington, CT 06032, USA. Tel: +1-860-679-2509, Fax: +1-860-679-6582, E-mail:
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10
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Mammas IN, Theodoridou M, Kramvis A, Thiagarajan P, Gardner S, Papaioannou G, Melidou A, Koutsaki M, Kostagianni G, Achtsidis V, Koutsaftiki C, Calachanis M, Zaravinos A, Greenough A, Spandidos DA. Paediatric Virology: A rapidly increasing educational challenge. Exp Ther Med 2017; 13:364-377. [PMID: 28352303 PMCID: PMC5348700 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2016.3997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The '2nd Workshop on Paediatric Virology', which took place on Saturday the 8th of October 2016 in Athens, Greece, provided an overview on recent views and advances on Paediatric Virology. Emphasis was given to HIV-1 management in Greece, a country under continuous financial crisis, hepatitis B vaccination in Africa, treatment options for hepatitis C virus in childhood, Zika virus in pregnancy and infancy, the burden of influenza on childhood, hand-foot-mouth disease and myocarditis associated with Coxsackie viruses. Other general topics covered included a critical evaluation of Paediatric Accident and Emergency viral infections, multimodality imaging of viral infections in children, surgical approaches of otolaryngologists to complex viral infections, new advances in the diagnosis and treatment of viral conjunctivitis and novel molecular diagnostic methods for HPV in childhood. A brief historical overview of the anti-vaccination movement was also provided, as well as presentations on the educational challenge of Paediatric Virology as a new subspecialty of Paediatrics. This review highlights selected lectures and discussions of the workshop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis N. Mammas
- Department of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion 71003, Greece
| | - Maria Theodoridou
- 1st Department of Paediatrics, ‘Aghia Sophia’ Children's Hospital, University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - Anna Kramvis
- Hepatitis Virus Diversity Research Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
| | - Prakash Thiagarajan
- Neonatal Unit, Division for Women's and Children's Health, Noble's Hospital, Douglas, Isle of Man IM4 4RJ, British Isles
| | - Sharryn Gardner
- Department of Children's Accident and Emergency, Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust, Ormskirk L39 2AZ, UK
| | - Georgia Papaioannou
- Department of Paediatric Radiology, ‘Mitera’ Children's Hospital, Athens 15123, Greece
| | - Angeliki Melidou
- 2nd Laboratory of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece
| | - Maria Koutsaki
- Paediatric Neurology Division, 3rd Department of Paediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Athens, ‘Attikon’ University Hospital, Athens 12462, Greece
| | - Georgia Kostagianni
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, ‘Triassio’ General Hospital, Elefsina 19200, Greece
| | - Vassilis Achtsidis
- Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Cornwall Hospitals, Truro, Cornwall TR1 3LQ, UK
| | - Chryssie Koutsaftiki
- Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), ‘Penteli’ Children's Hospital, Penteli 15236, Greece
| | - Marcos Calachanis
- Department of Paediatric Cardiology, ‘Penteli’ Children's Hospital, Penteli 15236, Greece
| | - Apostolos Zaravinos
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 1516, Cyprus
| | - Anne Greenough
- Division of Asthma, Allergy and Lung Biology, King's College London, London SE5 9RS, UK
| | - Demetrios A. Spandidos
- Department of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion 71003, Greece
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Sukeepaisalncharoen W, Peansukwech U, Sawanyawisuth K. Who should be checked for hepatitis C virus infection in endemic areas? ASIAN PAC J TROP MED 2016; 9:991-994. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apjtm.2016.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Revised: 06/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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12
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen H Pham
- Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, 18200 Katy Freeway, Suite 250, Houston, TX 77094, USA.
| | - Philip Rosenthal
- UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 5th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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13
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El-Guindi MA. Hepatitis C Viral Infection in Children: Updated Review. Pediatr Gastroenterol Hepatol Nutr 2016; 19:83-95. [PMID: 27437184 PMCID: PMC4942315 DOI: 10.5223/pghn.2016.19.2.83] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Accepted: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major medical challenge affecting around 200 million people worldwide. The main site of HCV replication is the hepatocytes of the liver. HCV is a positive enveloped RNA virus from the flaviviridae family. Six major HCV genotypes are implicated in the human infection. In developed countries the children are infected mainly through vertical transmission during deliveries, while in developing countries it is still due to horizontal transmission from adults. Minimal nonspecific and brief symptoms are initially found in approximately 15% of children. Acute and chronic HCV infection is diagnosed through the recognition of HCV RNA. The main objective for treatment of chronic HCV is to convert detected HCV viremia to below the detection limit. Children with chronic HCV infection are usually asymptomatic and rarely develop severe liver damage. Therefore, the benefits from current therapies, pegylated-Interferon plus ribavirin, must be weighed against their adverse effects. This combined treatment offers a 50-90% chance of clearing HCV infection according to several studies and on different HCV genotype. Recent direct acting antiviral (DAA) drugs which are well established for adults have not yet been approved for children and young adults below 18 years. The most important field for the prevention of HCV infection in children would be the prevention of perinatal and parenteral transmission. There are areas of focus for new lines of research in pediatric HCV-related disease that can be addressed in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A. El-Guindi
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Nutrition, National Liver Institute, Menoufiya University, Shebin El Kom, Menoufiya, Egypt
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14
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[Hepatitis C during pregnancy, vertical transmission and new treatment possibilities]. Med Clin (Barc) 2016; 147:499-505. [PMID: 27209226 DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2016.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Revised: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been recognised as a worldwide health problem. HCV is the most common cause of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and liver transplantation. The HCV prevalence reported in pregnant women is similar to that found among the general population and does not appear to have an adverse effect on the course of pregnancy. The vertical transmission of HCV (HCV-VT) is a major route of HCV infection in children in the developed countries (>90%). The overall rate of mother-to-child transmission and chronification is about 3%-8%; however, this rate is higher for mothers who are co-infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (15-20%). In this review, we analyse the course of HCV infection during gestation, the risk factors associated with HCV-VT, the diagnostic methods/clinical monitoring recommended and the new possibilities of treatment in the era of direct-acting antiviral agents, which are essential to guide future public health efforts appropriately.
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Elsayed SAR, El-Maksoud HMA, Awadallah H, Emran TM, Ahmed E. Frequency of HCV Infection in Children of HCV Infected Mothers. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2015. [DOI: 10.3923/jms.2016.25.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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