Neonatal hepatitis is inflammation of the liver that occurs in early infancy. It usually occurs between  one and two months after birth. There are different causes of this condition  and in some cases the cause is unknown.

What are the causes of neonatal hepatitis ?

Causes of this condition include the following :

• Viral neonatal hepatitis :  This occurs when infants are infected with a virus shortly before or after birth.
• Metabolism : This is when the baby has metabolism problems which results  in the liver condition .
• Idiopathic giant cells hepatitis :  Idiopathic means the condition is unknown.Giant cells of abnormal groups of liver cells fuse together . Most babies with this type do well although a few develop chronic liver disease.

What are the symptoms of neonatal hepatitis ?

Symptoms include the following :

• Enlarged liver or spleen
• Jaundice
• Poor growth because the infant cannot absorb vitamins

How is neonatal hepatitis diagnosed ?

Some of the tests that can be done to diagnose this condition include the following :

• Physical examination : This test may reveal and enlarged liver or spleen.
• Blood tests : Blood tests used to diagnose this condition include :
  • Liver enzyme (AST/ALT) blood tests : This test tells how well the liver is functioning by revealing the levels of the liver enymes
  • Prothrombin time blood test : It measures the time it takes the plasma to clot and shows how well the liver is functioning.

Other tests that can be used include

• liver biopsy
• ultrasound
• a type of  nuclear medicine known as hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid HIDA scan

How is neonatal hepatitis treated ?

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. In  most cases supportive care, good nutrition as well as close follow up care is all that is required. Vitamins supplements may be prescribed. Formula contains easily digestible fats are also given to the child. Infants who develop cirrhosis will ultimately need a liver transplant.