In recent weeks, there has been an unusually high incidence of acute hepatitis in children in the United Kingdom.
In no case was hepatitis virus (A to E) isolated and no epidemiological correlation with travel was observed. The clinical syndrome occurs in children up to 16 years of age, mainly 2-5 years, and includes severe acute hepatitis with markedly elevated transaminases, often with jaundice.
Gastrointestinal symptoms were common in children up to 10 years of ageusually vomiting, preceded by jaundice.
As of April 8, 2022, 74 cases had been identified in the United Kingdom. Some cases required transfer to specialized pediatric hepatology units and six (6) children underwent liver transplantation. According to reports from the special units, as of April 11, no deaths have been recorded.
The hepatitis viruses (A to E) have been excluded from the laboratory test performed so far, while in some cases SARS-CoV-2 virus and / or adenovirus have been detected, but the possible role of of these viruses in the pathogenesis of hepatitis showing the reported cases. Therefore, the underlying cause of this increase, from the beginning of 2022, remains currently unknown. Further laboratory investigation of the identified cases for additional infections, chemical agents and toxins is in progress.
Following the announcement of the incidents from Great Britain, the following have been reported:
Up to five (5) cases (confirmed or possible) of acute hepatitis of unknown etiology in children, in Ireland, three (3) confirmed cases, in Spain and four (4) cases, in the Netherlands, of which three (3) required transplantation liver.
There are also reports of nine (9) cases of hepatitis of unknown etiology in children in the US, which are currently under investigation by national authorities.
In our country, so far, no increase in cases of hepatitis in children has been reported, but clinicians are urged to be vigilant for this emerging condition, to be vigilant for the early detection of children up to 16 years old, who show signs and symptoms of hepatitis, without a clear reason and in such a case to immediately inform EODY.
EODY closely monitors the development of the situation, is in systematic communication with the European Public Health Institutions, the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) and has already informed all the Health Regions of the country. , the Panhellenic Medical Association as well as the Scientific Societies whose members may face similar incidents.
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