Seven possible cases of severe acute hepatitis of unknown origin have been reported by The Hospital for Sick Children, the hospital confirmed on Monday.
The cases were diagnosed between Oct. 1 and April 30, according to a spokesperson for the hospital, which is also known as Sick Kids.
“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,” according to a Monday evening statement by the hospital.
Close to 300 cases of acute hepatitis of unknown origin have now been reported worldwide, including the US, South East Asia and many European countries, according to a bbc report.
The World Health Organization reported in late April that approximately 10 per cent of the 169 cases that were then known resulted in a liver transplant.
The hepatitis viruses that normally cause the condition were not detected in any of the children, although some of the children tested positive for an adenovirus, according to the WHO. Some also tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver.
The hospital says its physicians are aware of the international reports and are closely monitoring for any new cases. They are also recommending a lower threshold for referral for specialist care.
“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,” the hospital said.
Sick Kids said it sees patients with severe acute hepatitis of unknown origin every year, and that the seven cases meet the “probable case definition” and have been reported to Public Health Ontario.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Anyone can read Conversations, but to contribute, you should be a registered Torstar account holder. If you do not yet have a Torstar account, you can create one now (it is free)