Neonatal hepatitis is a common term used for inflammation of the liver (hepatitis) that is seen to occur shortly after birth in newborns may be caused by viruses, certain metabolic disorders, and other rare diseases that affect or impair the function of the liver. In some children, the cause of liver inflammation is unknown -these cases are called Idiopathic neonatal hepatitis (INH). The symptoms of idiopathic neonatal hepatitis may vary greatly from one individual to another. 

Signs and symptoms

• Bile duct obstruction
• Jaundice
• Pale stool
• Dark urine
• Enlarged liver
• Slowed growth
• Irritability
• Itching
• Hepatomegaly

Complications

• Death
• Stillbirth
• Death due to liver failure

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for this disease supportive and symptomatic treatment is given.

Depending on the severity of the jaundice phlebotomy - exchange blood transfusion is done as per the need.

Symptomatic treatment according to the serum transaminase and serum ferritn level is carried on.

Approximately 80 percent of individuals with idiopathic neonatal hepatitis fully recover from the condition.