Hepatitis

Question 1

What is hepatitis?

Answer 1

• Inflammation of the liver with potential for liver damage, cirrhosis, and cancer.
• Notifiable disease in the UK

Question 2

What is a hepatitis picture ?

Answer 2

• A “hepatitis picture” on liver function tests refers to high transaminases (AST and ALT) with proportionally less of a rise in ALP. Transaminases are liver enzymes released into the blood due to inflammation of the liver cells.
• Bilirubin can also rise because of inflammation of the liver cells. High bilirubin causes jaundice.

Question 3

How long does it take for hepatitis to become chronic ?

Answer 3

Chronic – When it remains in the blood for more than six months.

Question 4

What are the infective stages of hepatitis ?

Answer 4

Infective stages

Incubation (Time it takes for an infection to develop after a person has been exposed) 6weeks.

Prodromal (The early stages of symptoms) 2 weeks

Icentric Phase - 1-3 week

Convalescent phase (The period in which the body recovers) - 2-6 months

Question 5

What are the symptoms of hepatitis ?

Answer 5

Symptoms
- Asymptomatic
- Flu-like symptoms
- Nausea, vomiting
- Jaundice (50% of cases)
- Hepatomegaly

Question 6

Explain HEP A (HAV)

Answer 6

• Most common worldwide
• Not common in the UK
• Due to travel
• RNA virus transmitted.
• Faecal-oral route
• Diagnosis based on IgM antibodies.
• Management is supportive.
• The onset is abrupt.
• Vaccine available
• Avoid Alcohol consumption and unprotected sex
• Minimise social interactions for 7 days after the onset of symptoms

Question 7

Explain Hep B (HBV) second most common in UK.

Answer 7

• Double-strand DNA virus
• Transmitted by direct contact with blood or bodily fluids.
• (ANYTHING WHERE BLOOD IS INVOLVED)
• Sexual intercourse
• Sharing needs e.g. IV drug users or tattoos
• It can be passed from mother to child during pregnancy and delivery.
• Most people recover from infection within 1-3 months.
• 5-15% per cent become chronic hepatitis carriers.
• Vaccine available
• It can cause cancer and cirrhosis.
• Onset is insidious.

Question 8

Hepatitis C (HCV) – Most Common in the UK

Answer 8

• RNA virus
• Spread by blood and body fluids.
• NO VACCINE IS AVAILABLE
• Onset insidious
• Complications include liver cirrhosis and cancer.
• Antiviral medication

Question 9

What is the most common hepatitis in UK

Answer 9

Hep C