ABSTRACT
The aim of this study is to describe clinical, biological, histological aspects and outcome of children with chronic hepatitis B [CHB], and to analysis treatment modalities. a retrospective study of 15 children with CHB was conducted between January 1992 and December 2003. All patients had HBs Ag> 6 months, fourteen had Hbe Ag. Initial histological examination was performed in eight cases. intrafamilial horizontal transmission was noted in five cases. Fifty three percent of patients presented symptoms: asthenia [57 percent], anorexia [1 case], loss of weight [1 case], digestive disturbance [3 cases], abdominal pain [5 cases]. Cytolysis was noted in eight patients [53, 3 per cent], they had positive Ag Hbe. Liver emzymes were increased in eight cases [53.3%], they had positive Hbe Ag, mean rate of AST was 95.6 UI/I [extremes: 56 -251], mean rate of ALT was 118,8 Ul/l [extremes: 50 - 204]. Four patients had chronic active hepatitis and four had chronic persistent hepatitis. Three patients received I'interferon a; seroclearance was noted in two patients without negativation of HBs Ag. Twelve patients didn't receive any antiviral therapy, liver emzymes were decreased in three patients, seroclearance of HBe Ag was noted in five cases and HBs Ag elimination was noted in only one patient. Chronic hepatitis B is often asymptomatic and transmitted horizontaly. Antiviral therapy must be indicated in children with viral replication and active chronic hepatitis. Large vaccination at birth reduces vertical transmission and prevalence particularly in endemic areas