The diagnosis and treatment of infection with hepatitis B and C has undergone a paradigm shift in the past decade. Although children with these infections are usually asymptomatic with normal liver function, their evaluation and management can often involve complex issues and require specialized expertise. Here the authors review the common clinical scenarios which might be encountered by a general pediatrician, explain the various tests available for diagnosis, and provide practical guidelines for managing these children.
Keywords: Children; Chronic hepatitis B; Chronic hepatitis C; Hepatitis B virus; Hepatitis C virus; Liver disease; Treatment.