Hepatitis B in Children
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.
Hepatitis B is inflammation of the liver caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The infection is called acute when a person first becomes infected. The infection becomes chronic after 6 months. Chronic hepatitis B is less common in children than in adults.
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WHILE YOU ARE HERE:
Informed consent
is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that your child may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your child's medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done to your child. Make sure all of your questions are answered.
An IV
is a small tube placed in your child's vein that is used to give medicine or liquids.
Tests:
- Blood tests are used to check your child's liver function.
- An ultrasound is used to check for liver problems caused by HBV.
- Elastography is a test to check if your child's liver tissue is thick and stiff. This may mean your child is developing fibrosis or cirrhosis (liver scarring).
- A liver biopsy is used to test a sample of your child's liver for swelling, scarring, and other damage.
Medicines:
- Antiviral medicines help fight the virus that causes hepatitis B and keep it from spreading in your child's body.
- Hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) helps your child's body fight the HBV infection. HBIG is also given to newborn babies who were exposed to HBV in the womb.
Treatment:
- Plasma or platelet transfusions may be needed if your child's blood is not clotting as it should. Plasma and platelets are parts of the blood that help the blood clot. Your child will get the transfusion through an IV.
- A liver transplant is surgery to replace your child's liver with a healthy liver. Your child may need a liver transplant if he or she has severe liver disease or liver failure.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
RISKS:
Even with treatment, hepatitis B can damage your child's liver. If he or she needs cancer treatment or takes certain other medicines, hepatitis B may return or get worse. This includes medicines he or she takes after an organ or bone marrow transplant or to treat HIV or autoimmune disorders.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's healthcare providers to decide what care you want for your child.© Copyright Merative 2025 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Learn more about Hepatitis B
Treatment options
Care guides
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- Hemoglobin A1c
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis B Vaccine
- How to Childproof your Home
- Medication Safety for Children
- Promote Healthy Teeth and Gums in Young Children
Symptoms and treatments
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.