Neonatal hepatitis describes the appearance of jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) and/or elevated liver enzymes in infants.
Blood work shows elevated levels of bilirubin (a pigment produced in the liver during the breakdown of old red blood cells), indicate a liver problem. Some babies may later be diagnosed with other liver conditions. Other children will never be given a specific diagnosis. There are different causes for neonatal hepatitis. In some cases, no specific cause can be identified. Causes for neonatal hepatitis include:
- Viral neonatal hepatitis. Some infants are infected by the virus before or shortly after birth.
- Metabolism. Some infants have a metabolism problem that causes the liver condition.
- Idiopathic giant cell hepatitis. Many babies with neonatal hepatitis undergo a liver biopsy that reveals they have idiopathic giant cell hepatitis. Idiopathic means the cause of the condition is unknown. Giant cells are abnormal groups of liver cells that fuse together. Often, this pattern of damaged cells is seen in young livers without reflecting a specific condition. Most babies with idiopathic neonatal hepatitis do well, although a few develop chronic liver disease.
Symptoms of neonatal hepatitis include:
- Enlarged liver or spleen
- Jaundice
- Poor growth
Diagnosis of Neonatal Hepatitis
If your child experiences any of the symptoms of hepatitis, a pediatric gastroenterologist at Riley at IU Health will perform exams and tests to make a diagnosis.
- Physical exam. A pediatric specialist may find an enlarged liver or spleen during an examination of your child’s body.
- Blood Tests. Many blood tests are used to check for the different forms of hepatitis, including:
- Liver enzyme (AST/ALT) blood tests. These blood tests reveal how well the liver is functioning by looking at the levels of liver enzymes.
- Prothrombin time blood test. This test measures the time it takes for plasma (liquid portion of blood) to clot and shows that the liver works well.
Other tests used to make a hepatitis diagnosis include:
- A type of nuclear medicine test called a hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan
- Liver biopsy
- Ultrasound
Treatments
Treatments
Treatment of neonatal hepatitis depends on the underlying cause. In many cases, supportive care, good nutrition and close follow-up care are all that is required.
Key Points to Remember
Key Points to Remember
- Neonatal hepatitis causes jaundice and elevated liver enzymes in infants.
- Blood work can show elevated bilirubin, indicating a liver problem.
- Some babies may be diagnosed with other liver conditions.
- In many cases, all that is needed to treat neonatal hepatitis is supportive care, good nutrition and close follow-up care
Support Services & Resources
Support Services & Resources
Visit the websites below to find support groups and services and learn more about neonatal hepatitis.
Riley at IU Health offers a broad range of supportive services to make life better for families who choose us for their children's care.
The Riley at IU Health Liver Support Group meets one or two times a year for a family-oriented education program and socializing. Topics include testing for liver disease, complications of liver disease, impact of chronic disease on the family, liver transplant, nutrition for liver disease and medicine for liver disease. Please call 317.944.3774 for meeting dates and times.
This website includes information and resources for families of children with newborn jaundice.
The U.S. National Library of Medicine shares information about the causes and treatment of newborn jaundice.
Neonatal Hepatitis Research
Neonatal Hepatitis Research
Our pediatric gastroenterologists participate in research on the treatment of hepatitis B, hepatitis C and neonatal cholestasis. Speak with your child's doctor if you would like to know more about our clinical research studies.
Locations
Locations
Locations
In addition to our primary hospital location at the Academic Health Center in Indianapolis, IN, we have convenient locations to better serve our communities throughout the state.