Increasing Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus and Associated Substance Abuse in Hospitalized Children

Most of the increase in pediatric HCV hospitalizations was in adolescents and 40% of these patients had associated substance use disorder.

Recent developments in antiviral therapy for hepatitis C virus (HCV) have heightened the importance of understanding the burden of HCV in both adults and children. To evaluate trends in HCV prevalence in children, investigators retrospectively reviewed the Kids' Inpatient Database to identify hospitalizations for HCV in children (age <20 years) in 2006, 2009, and 2012.

During the 6-year period, the number of HCV admissions in children increased by 37%. These children had a mean age of 17.6 years; 65% were aged 18–20 years. In comparison, the admission rate for appendicitis remained stable during this same period. Compared with children hospitalized for appendicitis, a greater proportion of children with HCV were female, white, from Southern …

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

Increasing Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus and Associated Substance Abuse in Hospitalized Children

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Reviewing Author