Wereldwijde toename acute hepatitis bij kinderen na 2 jaar COVID-19-pandemie: Stand van zaken

On the 5th of April 2022, the United Kingdom reported to the World Health Organization an increase in young, previously healthy children with acute hepatitis of unknown origin, and in some cases progression to acute liver failure (ALF). This was subsequently also observed in other countries, including the Netherlands. Thorough investigations of potential causes have been initiated. Until now, no definitive cause has been identified. Adenovirus was detected in the blood of many of these children. Furthermore, some of the children were shown to have either an active SARS-CoV-2 infection or evidence of a past SARS-CoV-2 infection at similar levels as the control group. Other observed viruses were adeno-associated virus type 2 and herpesviruses. SARS-CoV-2, the effects of pandemic and lockdowns, with perhaps changing epidemiological patterns of immunity and viral circulation, may have contributed to these cases of ALF. Because the connections are unclear, it is of high importance to perform adequate diagnostics in a timely manner. Only international collaboration will bring better understanding of this phenomenon and will identify the potential causes of these ALF cases.