Pediatric Acute Severe Hepatitis of Unknown Origin: What is New?

Globally, there are emerging cases of acute severe hepatitis of unknown origin in children. These cases have gathered increasing attention, owing to the development of acute liver failure in some cases that resulted in liver transplantation. This review briefly summarizes the outbreak and diagnostic criteria of the disease. We further discuss the possible causes and related mechanisms underlying its occurrence and progression, and analyze the challenges in management. Finally, this review emphasizes patient management in clinical settings and a combination of efforts to unmask the disease.

Automated summary

There is a global emergence of acute severe hepatitis of unknown origin in children. Some cases have developed into acute liver failure requiring liver transplantation. This review provides a brief overview of the outbreak and diagnostic criteria, discusses possible causes, mechanisms, and challenges in management, and emphasizes patient management in clinical settings and collaborative efforts to uncover the disease.