Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Pediatric Chronic Viral Hepatitis

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Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition:

POST AUTHOR CORRECTIONS, 19 February 2010

doi: 10.1097/MPG.0b013e3181b99cba

Original Article: PDF Only

Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Pediatric Chronic Viral

Hepatitis

Erlichman, Jessi; Salam, Abdul; Haber, Barbara A

Published Ahead-of-Print

Abstract

Objective: The objectives of the present study were to assess the prevalence,

frequency and type of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) used by

children with chronic viral hepatitis infection, and to determine correlates of

use and estimates of nondisclosure regarding CAM use.

Patients and Methods: In this cross-sectional pilot study, families of 68

children receiving care for chronic viral hepatitis at a tertiary medical center

were administered a survey regarding use of CAM.

Results: Forty-six percent of these families reported using CAM for their child

at least once since diagnosis with chronic viral hepatitis and 31% used CAM

monthly or more frequently. Of all of the CAM therapies, biologically based

products such as herbals and dietary supplements were used most often. Use of

CAM was independently associated with the current or previous use of antiviral

medications for viral hepatitis, parent's use of CAM, and child having a

nonliver comorbidity. Rates of physician nondisclosure regarding CAM use

were>60%.

Conclusions: This is the first report of CAM use in children with chronic viral

hepatitis. Use of CAM in this population is common, and despite published adult

reports, there is infrequent dialogue between patients and pediatric health care

providers regarding use of CAM.

© 2010 Lippincott & Wilkins, Inc.