Hepatitis is the term used to indicate liver inflammation. Children with hepatitis often have other symptoms, such as pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, where the liver is located, and jaundice, a yellowish discoloration the skin. Health providers can obtain blood samples to confirm hepatitis by seeing an elevation of the liver enzymes. Common causes of hepatitis in children include infections, inherited conditions and autoimmune disorders.
Infections
According to Children's Memorial Hospital, children can contract hepatitis from a number of viruses, including the hepatitis viruses, of which there are several types; cytomegalovirus; Epstein-Barr virus, which causes infectious mononucleosis, or mono; the varicella virus, which causes chickenpox; and the herpes virus. According to Lab Tests Online, an elevation of the liver enzyme alanine aminotransferase, or ALT, is the best test to detect hepatitis. Other tests can detect the specific virus that causes the infection.
Hemochromatosis
According to MedlinePlus, hemochromatosis is one of the most common types of inherited hepatitis. Children with hemochromatosis absorb and store more iron than they need. The excess iron builds up in several organs, including the liver, causing liver damage and elevation of liver enzymes. Liver functions tests can give an indication of the severity of the disease. Treatment includes therapeutic phlebotomy, or frequent blood draws to reduce the amount of iron in the bloodstream, and chelation therapy, in which medicines are used to remove the excess iron from the body.
Autoimmune Hepatitis
Autoimmune hepatitis is a condition in which the immune system attacks the liver. This causes liver damage and an increase in the liver enzymes. According to the Riley Hospital for Children, there are two types of autoimmune hepatitis. Type 1 usually starts in adolescence. Type 2 is more common in girls between the age of
2 and 14. The symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis include dark urine, loss of appetite, fatigue, jaundice and swollen abdomen. Treatment involves suppressing the immune system, most commonly with steroids, with improvement noted by a decrease in the liver enzymes.
