Pediatric hepatitis C

Pediatric hepatitis C (hep·​a·​ti·​tis) is the least common type of hepatitis found in children. There is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C.

Dallas

214-456-8000
Fax: 214-456-8005

Plano

469-497-2505
F: 469-497-2511

Park Cities

469-488-7000
Fax: 469-488-7001

Prosper

469-303-5000
Fax: 214-867-9511

Request an Appointment with codes: Gastroenterology (GI)

Refer a Patient

What is pediatric hepatitis C?

Pediatric hepatitis C a virus that causes a child’s liver tissue to swell and become inflamed. It is passed by coming into contact with the blood of an infected person.

What are the different types of pediatric hepatitis C?

  • Acute (sudden) - Children with acute hepatitis C can typically fight off the virus without lasting health problems. If the child doesn’t clear the virus after six months, it becomes chronic.
  • Chronic (ongoing) - Children with chronic hepatitis C have an active infection that they have not cleared after six months and often do not show symptoms. Hepatitis C can cause advanced liver damage throughout the child’s life.

What are the signs and symptoms of pediatric hepatitis C?

Children with hepatitis C can develop symptoms four to 12 weeks after they are infected with the virus.

Symptoms can include:

  • Fatigue
  • Jaundice
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fever
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Pain above liver (upper right abdomen)
  • Pale colored stools
  • Urine that is dark in color

What are the causes of pediatric hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is caused by coming into contact with the blood of an infected person via:

  • Blood-to-blood contact
  • Mother-to-child via birth
  • Blood transfusions
  • Sharing or being stuck by needles
  • Unprotected sex
  • Sharing toothbrushes and nail clippers

Pediatric hepatitis C doctors and providers

Powered by Translations.com GlobalLink Web Software