Hepatitis C, Chronic
Description Diagnostic criteria Referral ICD-10 code: B17.1 DESCRIPTION A chronic inflammation of the liver caused by vertical (perinatal) transmission of Hepatitis C virus from an infected mother. The disease is mostly mild in childhood and in up to 25% the virus can be spontaneously cleared from age 2 up to 7 years. DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA Anti-HCV Elisa which detects IgG antibodies. Tr
Description
Diagnostic criteria
Referral
ICD-10 code: B17.1
DESCRIPTION
A chronic inflammation of the liver caused by vertical (perinatal) transmission of Hepatitis C virus from an infected mother. The disease is mostly mild in childhood and in up to 25% the virus can be spontaneously cleared from age 2 up to 7 years.
DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA
- Anti-HCV Elisa which detects IgG antibodies. Transplacental maternal IgG antibodies may persist up to age 18 months.
- HCV RNA (quantitative).
- HCV genotyping is only done if treatment is considered.
REFERRAL
All children with positive HCV RNA.
Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa Paediatric Hospital _2023, 5th edition_Updated July 2024
Chapter 2: Alimentary Tract, 2.3 Hepatic Disease, 2.3.6 Hepatitis C, Chronic