SHM's Clinical Quick Talks-Hepatitis

Pdf Summary

Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver, often caused by viral infections such as Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E, as well as non-viral factors like alcohol consumption, toxins, and autoimmune factors. Each type of viral hepatitis has distinct characteristics and diagnostic methods. Symptoms of hepatitis can range from being asymptomatic to including fever, lethargy, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, and jaundice. Treatment varies based on the underlying cause, with options ranging from supportive care for viral hepatitis to abstinence from alcohol for alcoholic hepatitis. Severe cases may require interventions like liver transplant. It’s crucial to consider hepatitis when patients have extrahepatic symptoms and to screen for co-infections like HIV in individuals with hepatitis B or C. Monitoring liver function and seeking appropriate treatment are key components in managing hepatitis effectively.

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Natalie Morris, Paul McMackin

Keywords

Hepatitis

Liver

Inflammatory condition

Viral infections

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis D

Hepatitis E

Autoimmune factors