HEPATITIS-C VIRUS-INFECTION

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has become the most significant cause of chron ic liver disease of infectious etiology in the United States. The reco gnition that HCV can be transmitted perinatally or through blood trans fusions warrants particular attention by the pediatrician. The America n Academy of Pediatrics recommends screening infants born to HCV-infec ted mothers and persons with risk factors for HCV infection such as in jection drug use, transfusion of greater than or equal to 1 U of blood or blood products before 1992, or hemodialysis should be screened for anti-HCV. Also, persons who received clotting factor concentrates bef ore 1987, when effective inactivation procedures were introduced, also should be screened. Guidelines for counseling families of HCV-infecte d children are provided.