ACUTE HEPATITIS

Question 1

When is hepatitis considered chronic

Answer 1

When it persists for more than 6 months

Question 2

Causes of hepatitis

Answer 2

Viruses (Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E, Yellow Fever etc.)
Drugs (allopathic, alternative and herbal preparations)
Alcohol
Autoimmune

Question 3

Symptoms of acute hepatitis

Answer 3

Right hypochondrial pain
Fever
Malaise
Anorexia
Nausea
Vomiting
Yellow or dark coloured urine
Pale stools
Itching
Fatigue
Confusion

Question 4

Nature of fever in acute hepatitis

Answer 4

Occurs 1 to 4 weeks before the jaundice appears

Question 5

Signs of acute hepatitis

Answer 5

Jaundice
Right hypochondrial tenderness
Hepatomegaly
Asterixis

Question 6

Investigations in acute hepatitis

Answer 6

FBC
Liver function tests
Hepatitis screen
Antinuclear Antibody, Anti-smooth muscle Antibody
Abdominal Ultrasound

Question 7

Hepatitis screen parameters

Answer 7

HBsAg
HCV Antibody
Hepatitis A IgM
Hepatitis E IgM

Question 8

Treatment objectives in acute hepatitis

Answer 8

To identify and eliminate the precipitating cause
To relieve symptoms

Question 9

Non-pharmacological interventions in acute hepatitis

Answer 9

Rest
High calorie fluids
Intravenous fluids if volume deplete
Any food that the patient can tolerate
Avoid alcohol