No increase in hepatitis cases has been reported in children in our country according to a document of the National Health Organization (EODY), received by the Hellenic Society for the Study of the Liver (EEMI) on April 14, the company clarifies in an announcement.
However, clinicians are called to be vigilant for this emerging condition and to be vigilant for the early detection of children under the age of 16 who show symptoms of hepatitis without a clear cause. Related symptoms include: jaundice, urinary hyperpigmentation and / or stool discoloration, pruritus, arthralgia / myalgia, fever, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain, lethargy or loss of appetite, serum transaminases> 500 IU / L.
The term “hepatitis” refers to inflammation of the liver. It is often infectious, but there are other forms, such as autoimmunity and medication. Viral hepatitis is mainly caused by five viruses (A to E), which are transmitted, either parenterally or through food.
It is worth noting that in no case of acute hepatitis recorded in England, Scotland and Wales was the hepatitis virus isolated and no correlation with travel was observed.
In particular, the EODY document states, among other things: “The clinical syndrome occurs in children up to 16 years of age and includes acute hepatitis with markedly elevated transaminases, often jaundice and gastrointestinal symptoms (mainly vomiting) preceding jaundice. In England they exist about 60 cases under investigation, with most cases being 2 to 5 years old. Some cases required transfer to specialized pediatric hepatology units and a small number underwent liver transplants. According to reports from the special units, no child has died. The underlying cause of the increase, from the beginning of 2022, remains currently unknown “.
“The guidelines of the World Health Organization constitute attention and priority in determining the etiology of cases, so that there is coordination of further clinical actions and public health measures,” emphasizes EEMI. He points out that he is seriously monitoring the development of the situation and is in constant vigilance and cooperation with the competent bodies.
Follow Skai.gr on Google News
and be the first to know all the news
