A recent study presented at the NASPGHAN 2024 annual meeting found that a significant number of children with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection also experience neurodevelopmental disorders and learning difficulties. The research, conducted by a team at BC Children’s Hospital revealed that 62% of children with HCV were affected by conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism and speech delays.
The study highlights a previously underexplored issue in pediatric HCV patients. Of the 29 children studied, 48% were diagnosed with ADHD, which is notably higher than the general prevalence of 8.6% in Canadian children. Among those with ADHD many had additional developmental challenges such as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and autism.
HCV, which can be passed from mother to child during pregnancy (vertical transmission) has been linked to increasing rates of neurodevelopmental disorders. The study underscores the importance of healthcare providers identifying potential cognitive issues in children with HCV to provide early interventions and support.
The growing prevalence of HCV-positive pregnancies driven in part by increased illicit drug use, further raises concerns about the long-term effects of chronic HCV on children. With vertical transmission being the primary cause of HCV in children, the study calls for better management and early identification of neurodevelopmental concerns in affected children.
