The investigation on the acute, severe hepatitis of unknown origin in children
YAO Kai-Hu, MENG Qing-Hong, YU Dan
National Center for Children's Health/Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University/Laboratory of Microbiology, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute/National Key Discipline of Pediatrics (Capital Medical University)/Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100045, China
Abstract In April 2022, the United Kingdom notified the World Health Organization (WHO) of an unexpected increase in acute hepatitis of unknown origin in children. Subsequent investigations have found more than 400 cases in more than 20 countries and regions around the world. Although the potential role of adenovirus type 41 in the pathogenesis of these cases is one hypothesis, it is probably not the only pathogenic factor, and other infectious and non-infectious causes cannot be completely ruled out. For hepatitis caused by non-hepatitis A, B, C, D and E viruses, there is a lack of systematic monitoring and research, and many unknowns still exist. According to the current etiology speculation and epidemiological characteristics of adenovirus in China, cases of acute hepatitis with unknown origin may be found in China in the future. There is also a risk of imported cases. This article systematically sorts out the reports and studies on child acute hepatitis of unknown origin, hoping to attract the attention of pediatric clinicians in China, raise awareness and vigilance, and calmly prepare for possible abnormal situations.
Shaanxi Province Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Kawasaki Disease/Children's Hospital of Shaanxi Provincial
People's Hospital, Children's Hospital of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Beijing Children's Hospital of Capital Medical
University, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Affiliated Hospital of Yan'an University, Expert Committee
of Advanced Training for Pediatrician, China Maternal and Children's Health Association, General Pediatric Group of
Pediatrician Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Pediatric International Exchange and Cooperation Center,
Shanghai Cooperation Organization Hospital Cooperation Alliance, Editorial Board of Chinese Journal of
Contemporary Pediatrics. Pediatric expert consensus on the application of aspirin in Kawasaki disease[J]. CJCP, 2022, 24(6): 597-603.