Hepatitis C in Children
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.
Hepatitis C is inflammation of the liver caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Hepatitis C 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.
Antiviral medicines
help control HCV. These medicines will not get rid of the virus, but they can make it inactive in your child's body. Antivirals can also shorten the amount of time your child has symptoms or make them less severe. Your child will need to take a combination of antivirals for at least 8 to 12 weeks.
Tests:
- Blood tests are used to check for HCV antibodies to fight the infection. The tests can show the type and amount of HCV your child has. This will help your child's provider make a treatment plan.
- An endoscopy or a CT scan may be needed to check for liver disease and to check your child's liver function.
- A liver biopsy is a procedure to take a sample of your child's liver. Tests on the sample will show the type of HCV your child has and if the infection is severe.
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 his or her blood that help his or her blood clot. He or she will get the transfusion through an IV.
- Surgery may be done to remove part of your child's liver. A liver transplant may be done if your child's liver stops working.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
RISKS:
Your child's risk for liver damage is increased if he or she has chronic hepatitis C. He or she may develop cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) when he or she is older. He or she may also develop liver cancer. Your child may need to be treated in a hospital if his or her symptoms are severe or he or she has liver damage.
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 C
Treatment options
- Medications for Hepatitis C
- Medications for Infectious Hepatitis
- Medications for Infectious Hepatitis with Coma
Care guides
Symptoms and treatments
Medicine.com guides (external)
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.