The National Health Commission issued the “Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Acute Hepatitis in Children of Unknown Cause (Trial)”
Since March 2022, severe acute hepatitis of unknown etiology has been reported in many countries and territories around the world. At present, the etiology of the disease is unknown, and there are no related case reports in my country. In order to prepare for medical treatment in advance, the National Health and Health Commission organized and formulated the “Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Acute Hepatitis in Children of Unknown Cause (Trial)”.
The guidelines show that as of May 20, 2022, the European surveillance system data show that the disease can be seen in children of all ages, and is more common in children under the age of 5; 14.1% of hospitalized children need to be admitted to the intensive care unit . On May 27, 2022, the World Health Organization announced that 650 suspected cases were reported in 33 countries, at least 38 required liver transplantation, and 9 died. The available evidence has not found a clear epidemiological association between the cases, and it is not yet supported as an infectious disease.
The guideline introduces that the clinical manifestations of severe acute hepatitis in children of unknown cause are acute onset, mostly manifested as fatigue and anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and other gastrointestinal symptoms, followed by yellow and red urine , The skin and sclera are yellowed, and some children may have white stools, enlarged liver, fever and respiratory symptoms, and some may have spleen enlargement. A small number of cases can progress to acute liver failure in a short period of time, with progressive aggravation of jaundice and hepatic encephalopathy.
How to treat severe acute hepatitis of unknown cause in children? According to the guidelines, comprehensive treatment measures based on symptomatic and supportive treatment should be adopted, and changes in the condition should be closely observed, mental status should be assessed, laboratory indicators should be monitored, and complications should be prevented. Patients with liver failure should be promptly referred to hospitals with the ability to treat them.
The guidelines point out that prevention and control measures mainly include strengthening hand hygiene, paying attention to wearing masks and eating hygiene. In clinical work, medical staff need to take standard precautions and report suspected cases in a timely manner as required.
Source: Xinhua News AgencyReporter: Xu Penghang
Producer:AnniversaryEditors: Li Ang, Wu Yue