From the Guidelines
Hepatitis in teenagers is most commonly caused by viral infections, with Hepatitis C being a significant concern due to its high transmission rate among injection drug users, as noted in a study from 1. The main viral causes of hepatitis in teenagers include Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis D, and Hepatitis E.
- Hepatitis A is transmitted through contaminated food or water,
- Hepatitis B is spread through blood, semen, or other body fluids,
- Hepatitis C is primarily transmitted through blood contact,
- Hepatitis D only occurs in conjunction with Hepatitis B, and
- Hepatitis E is similar to Hepatitis A in terms of transmission. Teenagers are at particular risk for Hepatitis A due to poor hygiene and for Hepatitis B through sexual activity or sharing needles, as highlighted in 1. Non-viral causes of hepatitis in teenagers include:
- Autoimmune hepatitis, where the immune system attacks liver cells,
- Drug-induced hepatitis from medications like acetaminophen, certain antibiotics, or recreational drugs, and
- Alcoholic hepatitis, although this is less common in teenagers. Metabolic conditions such as Wilson's disease or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease can also cause hepatitis in this age group. Prevention strategies are crucial and include vaccination for Hepatitis A and B, practicing safe sex, avoiding needle sharing, maintaining good hygiene, limiting acetaminophen use, and avoiding alcohol and recreational drugs, as emphasized in 1. Early diagnosis through blood tests is important because many forms of hepatitis can be effectively treated if caught early, with treatments like the fixed-dose combination of sofosbuvir and velpatasvir or glecaprevir and pibrentasvir showing high SVR12 rates in adolescents and children, as reported in 1.
From the Research
Causes of Hepatitis in Teenagers
The causes of hepatitis in teenagers can be attributed to various factors, including:
- Viral infections from hepatotropic viruses, such as hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E 2, 3, 4
- Infections from other agents, metabolic disorders, or autoimmune reactions, although these are less common 2
- Acute hepatitis of unknown causes, which can be severe and may require liver transplantation 2
- Co-occurrence of COVID-19 pandemic, which may have contributed to the increased incidence of severe acute hepatitis of unknown causes 2
Viral Hepatitis
Viral hepatitis is the most common cause of acute and chronic hepatitis in teenagers, with hepatitis B and C being the most common causes of chronic hepatitis 5, 4. The main characteristics of each virus, including salient epidemiology, clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies, are important to understand in order to prevent and treat viral hepatitis 3.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for hepatitis in teenagers include:
- Unprotected sexual encounters, which can increase the risk of contracting hepatitis B and other sexually transmitted diseases 6
- Tattooing or piercing with unsterilized equipment, which can increase the risk of contracting hepatitis B and other blood-borne diseases 6
- Exposure to contaminated blood products, which can increase the risk of contracting hepatitis B and C 4
Prevention and Treatment
Prevention and treatment of hepatitis in teenagers are crucial to reduce the risk of complications and mortality. This can be achieved through:
- Vaccination against hepatitis B, which is effective in preventing the disease 5, 6
- Education and screening programs, which can help identify infected individuals and prevent the spread of disease 5, 4
- Treatment of acute and chronic hepatitis, which can help reduce the risk of complications and mortality 5, 4