Medical experts believe that there is a link between the mysterious cases of hepatitis in children and the coronavirus. The cases have been reported from across the world. Here is all you need to know about it.
Coronavirus and mysterious hepatitis in children
Experts believe that there is a viral reservoir in children who have previously been infected with COVID-19. It is triggering an immune response that is leading to liver damage.
Since first detected in Britain last month, there are over 429 cases of liver disease from more than 22 countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), severe cases of hepatitis are leading to liver inflammation.
Other symptoms of the mysterious condition include jaundice i.e., yellowing of eyes and skin, dark urine, nausea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, vomiting, joint pain, and light-colored stools. There are drugs that can help in decreasing liver inflammation and other symptoms. However, there is no specific cure for the disease.
More on the theory behind the disease:
According to the UK Health Security Agency, the sudden rise in cases has links to the adenovirus. Adenovirus is a common cold virus. “SARS-CoV-2 was identified in 18% of reported cases in the UK.
A team of researchers in the Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology suggested that lingering particles from covid in the gastrointestinal tract react to adenovirus-41F. However, the reaction contains high concentrations of inflammatory proteins that are damaging the liver. In recent cases, 17 children needed liver transplants and one died. ”I think there are more cases out there. I imagine there are more cases than have been reported. But they are likely to be less severe,” stated Professor Simon Taylor-Robinson. Professor Taylor-Robinson is a hepatologist from Imperial College London.