1Clinical Pathology Department, Mansoura Faculty of Medicine, Egypt
2Pediatric Department, Mansoura Faculty of Medicine, Egypt
*Corresponding Author: may_s65@hotmail.com
Online published on 28 March, 2013.
Hepatitis is a common problem in children both in developed and less developed countries. There is lack of available information about hematological changes in acute viral hepatitis. In the present study we will try to evaluate the occurrence of hematological changes in complete blood picture associated with acute viral hepatitis due to A-E viruses in pediatric patients.
The study evaluated one hundred seventy seven child affected with acute hepatitis. In addition, 130 healthy children were included as control group.They were subjected to full virological screen for viral hepatitis markers from A to E viruses. In addition, full blood counts and bone marrow were performed.
The commonest viral causing acute hepatitis was HCV (36.7%) followed by, HBV (32.8%) and HAV (24.9%) table 1. None of the patients was positive for hepatiis D virus.
There was statistically significant decrease in total leucocytic counts. hemoglobin and platelets counts in patients with hepatitis compared to control subjects. In contrast there was statistically significant increase in lymphocytes and other cells (eosinophils and basophils) in patients compared to healthy control.
The lowest level for hemoglobin, platelets, and total leucocytic counts were noticed in hepatitis E patients followed by A and B. While patients with non viral hepatitis had the mildest form of affection.
In the present study it appears that there was combine mechanisms resulting in mild cytopenia affecting patients with acute viral hepatitis. These observations can lead to discover the hidden etiology of certain cytopenia in pediatric patients without obvious etiology. Investigation for occult acute viral hepatitis can be beneficial to clarify this condition
