A total of seven cases of severe hepatitis were detected in Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) as cases in children spread world wide. .Public Health Ontario (PHO) said cases show "markedly elevated transaminases," or liver inflammation, and will often display symptoms of jaundice and gastrointestinal issues in children up to 16 years of age. In each case, the presence of the known hepatitis viruses A through E have not been detected. Extreme cases could require a liver transplant. ."As of April 25, 2022, one death has been reported in association with these incidents," said the PHO on its website. ."There have been reports since January 2022 of increased numbers of acute hepatitis cases without known aetiology in children from the United Kingdom, Europe, Israel and the United States. Cases date back to October 2021."."Underlying causes remain unknown, but adenovirus has been identified in some cases.".Other symptoms include lethargy, fever, dark urine, pale stools, a loss of appetite and nausea. Much of the symptoms resemble a COVID-19 infection, so it has been hard to detect the cases. ."SickKids physicians from the Divisions of Infectious Diseases and Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition are aware of the international reports concerning children with severe acute hepatitis of unknown origin," said SickKids in a statement to the Western Standard. ."They are looking out for patients with signs and symptoms of hepatitis such as new onset jaundice (yellow eyes), dark urine and/or pale stool that will require further testing, and are recommending a lower threshold for referral for specialist care."."In line with requirements set out in the order issued by the Chief Medical Officer of Health for Ontario, SickKids is closely monitoring for any cases of severe acute hepatitis and are reporting seven cases meeting the probable case definition to Public Health Ontario identified between Oct. 1, 2021, and April 30, 2022," said SickKids. ."It remains to be seen whether this number represents an increase in cases of unknown origin compared to similar time periods in previous years or if any of these cases will be confirmed to be caused by a novel clinical entity.".More than 100 cases have been reported in the US with hundreds more found in Europe and Israel. At least seventeen children have required liver transplantation according to reports from the World Health Organization. .Ontario's Ministry of Health said the risk to contracting severe acute hepatitis is low and advises parents to consult with a healthcare professional should they suspect their child is experiencing symptoms of the illness. .Although British authorities said a rare adenovirus could be the cause, researchers in Israel and India said their data suggests the illness could be tied to previous COVID-19 infections. .SickKids physicians from the Divisions of Infectious Diseases and Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition are aware of the international reports concerning children with severe acute hepatitis of unknown origin. They are looking out for patients with signs and symptoms of hepatitis such as new onset jaundice (yellow eyes), dark urine and/or pale stool that will require further testing, and are recommending a lower threshold for referral for specialist care..It remains to be seen whether this number represents an increase in cases of unknown origin compared to similar time periods in previous years or if any of these cases will be confirmed to be caused by a novel clinical entity.
