The diagnosis of neonatal hepatitis is initially based on blood tests aimed at identifying possible viral infections leading to the disease. In cases where no virus is identified, a liver biopsy is performed. This involves the removal of a small piece of the liver using a special syringe for examination under a microscope.
Biopsy results will often show that groups of four or five liver cells have joined together to form larger cells. Although these large cells continue to function, they do so at a lesser rate than normal liver cells. This type of neonatal hepatitis is sometimes called giant cell hepatitis.
The symptoms of neonatal hepatitis are similar to those associated with another infant liver disease called biliary atresia. In infants with biliary atresia however, bile ducts are progressively destroyed for reasons that are poorly understood. Although an infant with biliary atresia is also jaundiced with an enlarged liver, there is generally normal growth and the spleen is not inflamed. In addition to symptoms, a liver biopsy and blood tests are needed to distinguish biliary atresia from neonatal hepatitis.
Biopsy results will often show that groups of four or five liver cells have joined together to form larger cells. Although these large cells continue to function, they do so at a lesser rate than normal liver cells. This type of neonatal hepatitis is sometimes called giant cell hepatitis.
The symptoms of neonatal hepatitis are similar to those associated with another infant liver disease called biliary atresia. In infants with biliary atresia however, bile ducts are progressively destroyed for reasons that are poorly understood. Although an infant with biliary atresia is also jaundiced with an enlarged liver, there is generally normal growth and the spleen is not inflamed. In addition to symptoms, a liver biopsy and blood tests are needed to distinguish biliary atresia from neonatal hepatitis.
