In May 2022, there has been an unusually high number of hepatitis cases being reported in children. According to the UK Health Security Agency, as of 3 May 2022, there have been 163 cases of hepatitis diagnosed in children aged under 16 in the UK since 1 January 2022. New cases continue to be identified. In recent months, around 300 children have received this diagnosis around the globe.
Hepatitis is the term used to describe inflammation of the liver and can cause symptoms such as muscle and joint pain, a high temperature, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, loss of appetite, stomach pain, dark urine, itchy skin and yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice).
Causes of Hepatitis
The potential causes of this increase in children are not entirely clear, but recent studies have detected the adenovirus pathogen which causes respiratory illness and SARS Covid-19. Neither pathogen make children seriously unwell and as a result, it is possible that symptoms associated with hepatitis and an inflamed liver, such as diarrhoea, jaundice and nausea, may have been missed by clinical staff in some cases.
It is easy to see that such symptoms may be attributed to general childhood sickness, but they may also indicate ‘red flags’ and should be investigated further and followed up. For the most part, the first contact parents or carers have with doctors in relation to their child’s symptoms is likely to be with their GP. In the event that ‘red flag’ symptoms are present, simple blood tests should be carried out to assess inflammatory markers and either include or exclude liver inflammation.
Hepatitis Claims
If clinical staff have failed to carry out such basic tests in the face of concerning symptoms and as a result, hepatitis and damage to the liver are missed which has caused harm and meant that treatment was delayed, this could lead to a successful claim in clinical negligence.
However, as with all cases, the medical records, presentation of the child when attending their GP or a hospital, advice given and investigations undertaken will be crucial.
Whilst parents should be alert to the signs and symptoms of liver damage, particularly jaundice, and should contact a medical professional if they are concerned, it is important to remember that the likelihood of their child developing hepatitis is very low.
More Information
www.nhs.uk/conditions/hepatitis
If parents or carers believe that their child has experienced a delayed diagnosis of hepatitis, please contact our Clinical Negligence Department who will be happy to discuss your concerns with you. Email info@tayloremmet.co.uk or call 0114 218 4000
