Fulminant hepatitis in children: report of 12 cases.

Twelve cases of childhood fulminant hepatitis seen over a 4-year period are described. Six had hepatitis A, five hepatitis B and one non-A non-B hepatitis. Encephalopathy, the cardinal feature of fulminant hepatitis, was usually evident within 2 weeks of onset of illness, and the median duration of illness in fatal cases was 19 days. Deep jaundice, prolongation of the prothrombin time and raised serum ammonia were invariable. Eight children died and the four survivors were critically ill before recovering. Acute viral hepatitis is generally a benign illness in childhood. Although infrequently recorded, fulminant hepatitis may, however, ensue and is associated with a high mortality.