Abstract

CUARTEROLO, Miriam; LOPEZ, Susana  and  CIOCCA, Mirta. Hepatitis C virus infection in children. Arch. argent. pediatr. [online]. 2011, vol.109, n.3, pp.237-244. ISSN 0325-0075.

The modes of transmission of hepatitis C virus are parenteral, sexual and maternal-fetal. It affects 3% of the population worldwide. Currently, vertical infection is the main way of virus spreading. Most children are clinically asymptomatic, but progression of liver disease has been described. The positivity of antibodies against hepatitis C virus does not discriminate between active and resolved infection, so determination of serum HCV-RNA is necessary. The combination of peginterferon and ribavirin appears to be the most effective treatment. Future challenges are the development of new drugs and a vaccine.

Keywords : Hepatitis C; Children; Chronic hepatitis; Epidemiology; Treatment.

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