Arch Dis Child 1977 May;52(5):368-72

Prognosis of babies with neonatal hepatitis

Danks DM, Campbell PE, Smith AL, Rogers J

Abstract
105 babies with neonatal hepatitis were studied carefully and followed for up to
11 1/2 years. Ascertainment was complete for those with severe and persistent
jaundice, but less complete for mild or anicteric cases. Prognosis was found to
be poor (40% death or cirrhosis) in babies with perisitently acholic stools, but
relatively good (less than 15% death or cirrhosis) in those with jaundice which
was less persistent and less obstructive. The presence of second diseases
(including alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency or a family history of other affected
children) seemed to play a part in determining poor prognosis. A distinctive
group of babies (22 cases) presented with acute fulminant illness (with or
without jaundice) in the neonatal period. Cytomegalovirus infection carried a
relatively good prognosis. Guidelines for selection of patients for therapeutic
trials are suggested