Hepatitis Flashcards
What is hepatitis
Autoimmune and a condition of unknown aetiology
What demographic is hepatitis most common in
young females
What are the three types of hepatitis based on the antibodies present
Type 1- Anti-nuclear antibodies and anti-smooth muscle antibodies
– affects both adults and children
Type 2 - Anti- liver/kidney microsomal type 1 antibodies
— affects children only
Type 3 - soluble liver-kidney antigen
— affects adults in middle age
What may someone with hepatitis present with
signs of chronic liver disease
– fatigue , jaundice, abdominal pain, itching etc
acute hepatitis- fever, jaundice ( small number present like this )
Amenorrhoea – common
What investigation should be carried out
ANA/SMA/LKM1 antibodies , raised IgG levels
Liver biopsy - inflammation extending beyond limiting plate
‘piecemeal necrosis ‘ will be seen
liver function tests
In some cases imaging may also be carried out -
CT scan , MRI, US, liver biopsy
What is the management of hepatitis
steroids and other immunosuppressants such as - azathioprine
liver transplantation
