Diagnosis and management of paediatric hepatitis C virus infection

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in children is uncommon and there are few guidelines indicating optimal management. It is estimated that 125-250 children are infected vertically with HCV in Australia each year and very few of these children are diagnosed and followed medically. Without accurate diagnosis and follow up, these children cannot be offered optimal care, and are at risk of presenting in adult life with significant liver pathology and long-term sequelae.