Hepatitis A in Children: A Real Patient Case Study of Severe Jaundice
Summary This real patient story describes a child who developed Hepatitis A with significant jaundice, poor appetite and vomiting. According to the father, bilirubin increased from around 5 to 23 mg/dL and SGPT/ALT reached approximately 8700 U/L. After medical treatment and follow-up, the reported bilirubin decreased to around 3 mg/dL, while the child’s appetite, eating, drinking and overall strength improved. The case shows why persistent or worsening jaundice in a child should not be ignored and why appropriate medical evaluation and follow-up are important. Introduction Hepatitis A in children can cause jaundice, vomiting, loss of appetite and other symptoms related to the liver. But what happens when a child’s jaundice keeps getting worse despite initial treatment? This case of a child treated by Dr. Saumyaleen Roy shows how the condition progressed from initial jaundice to significantly abnormal liver function tests and, later, gradual recovery. This patient story is based on a conversation with the child’s father, Mr. Shankar Kumar Jha, who shared his experience during the follow-up. The family noticed that the child’s eyes had become yellow and that the child was not eating properly. Later, vomiting, yellow urine and pale stools also became part of the illness. How Did the Child’s Hepatitis A Symptoms Start? According to the father, the child initially developed jaundice, with noticeable yellowing of the eyes. The family consulted a doctor and got an LFT (Liver Function Test) done. The child was then given medicines for approximately 15–20 days. However, the symptoms did not improve as expected. The father explained that the child’s bilirubin, which was initially around 5 mg/dL, gradually increased to around 23 mg/dL. The child was also experiencing poor appetite and vomiting. Some of the symptoms noticed by the family were: Severe Jaundice in a Child: When Symptoms Became Serious As the child’s condition progressed, the family became increasingly concerned. The father reported that the child’s SGPT/ALT level had reached around 8700 U/L, along with bilirubin of approximately 23 mg/dL. At this stage, the family was advised to consult a gastroenterologist. The father also described an important difficulty during this period: the child would sometimes vomit even after drinking water. Because the jaundice and other symptoms were continuing, the family searched for a gastroenterologist and eventually consulted Dr. Saumyaleen Roy. Diagnosis of Hepatitis A and Medical Treatment After evaluation, the child was diagnosed with acute viral hepatitis due to Hepatitis A. Hepatitis A is a viral infection affecting the liver and can lead to jaundice, poor appetite, nausea or vomiting, dark urine and pale stools. The doctor advised hospital admission at that time. However, according to the family, admission was not possible because of certain circumstances. Treatment was therefore started on an OPD basis, with follow-up to monitor the child’s condition. The case is a reminder that when a child has worsening jaundice or significantly abnormal liver function tests, parents should seek appropriate medical evaluation rather than depending only on self-medication or waiting for symptoms to disappear. From Bilirubin 23 to Around 3: The Child’s Recovery Journey At the follow-up, the father shared that the child’s jaundice had reduced significantly. The bilirubin had come down to around 3 mg/dL. More importantly for the family, the child was able to eat and drink properly again. The father also said that the child had become quite weak during the illness but was now beginning to feel stronger. Appetite had returned, food and fluids were being tolerated, and the child’s overall condition was much better than before. The improvement reported by the family included: What Parents Should Know About Hepatitis A and Jaundice in Children A common question parents may have is: Can Hepatitis A cause severe jaundice in children? Hepatitis A can cause significant jaundice and abnormal liver function tests, although the severity and recovery can vary from one child to another. Parents should pay attention when jaundice is accompanied by symptoms such as: If these symptoms are present or getting worse, the child should be medically evaluated. In this case, timely gastroenterology assessment, treatment and follow-up were part of the child’s recovery journey. Need Medical Evaluation for Your Child? If your child has jaundice, repeated vomiting, poor appetite, pale stools, dark urine or abnormal liver function test results, consult a qualified gastroenterologist or pediatric specialist for appropriate evaluation and guidance. Contact & Clinic Details Shree Vinayaka Gastro Liver CareSatya Complex (Opposite Dress Land)Gurudham Chauraha, Varanasi – 221010 📞 Call: 095547 13388📧 Email: saumyaleenroy@gmail.com
